Council gives green light to redevelop West End’s Arts Theatre in London – former home of The Choir of Man

Westminster City Council has officially granted planning permission for the major redevelopment of 5-9 Great Newport Street in the West End, the long-standing West End home of the Arts Theatre.

The approved plans will transform the site into a “mixed-use” cultural hub, combining a refurbished 350-seat theatre with a modern pod-hostel and small-business office spaces. The decision marks a turning point for The Arts Theatre, which has undergone a number of previous, smaller refurbishments, and has been closed since early 2026 in anticipation of these works.

The Arts at Marble Arch: A temporary nove

The redevelopment of the Great Newport Street site is the primary catalyst for the creation of The Arts at Marble Arch. Theatre operators Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook (Hartshorn Hook Productions) have secured a 550-seat temporary home located next to the iconic London landmark to house their core programming during the 24-month construction period.

While the Great Newport Street site undergoes its 2026-2028 refurbishment, the “spirit of the Arts” will move to this bespoke new venue. One major production already confirmed for the Marble Arch site is the West End return of Burlesque The Musical, which begins performances on 12 September 2026.

Book tickets for Burlesque The Musical at The Arts at Marble Arch in London

The Choir of Man – New temporary theatre planned at Marble Arch. Image by Reed Watts Architects

The Choir of Man connection

The Arts Theatre became synonymous with the Olivier-nominated hit The Choir of Man, which enjoyed a hugely successful multi-year run at the venue before its recent closure. The show is currently touring the UK.

Following the show’s high-energy performance on the BBC’s Big Night of Musicals this past Saturday, speculation has intensified regarding where the “pub on the West End” will set up its next permanent bar. While the Marble Arch temporary venue is widely tipped as a potential future home for the show, official dates and venue details are yet to be confirmed.

Big Night of Musicals 2026 - Jason Manford (The Choir of Man)

Big Night of Musicals – Jason Manford and The Choir of Man. Photo by BBC-TBI Media-Scott Garfitt

A “robust” legal agreement

The Theatres Trust has vowed to remain a “rigorous” presence throughout the Great Newport Street project. While describing the final plans as an “improvement,” they have raised concerns regarding the venue’s technical capabilities, specifically the flytower.

A spokesperson for Westminster City Council emphasised the strict conditions attached to the approval:

“Planning permission was granted as the proposals retain and refurbish the existing theatre space, ensuring that this historic cultural venue continues to operate in the West End… The Council has consulted with the Theatres Trust throughout the process, and a robust legal agreement is in place to ensure the space will be operated by an experienced West End theatre operator.”

The council statement went on to say that “together with the proposed pod hostels and offices, the Council believes that the project will bring economic, cultural and social benefits, making a positive contribution to this part of the city and the wider economy.”

Sign-up for news and booking alerts about these shows and more:

Main photo: Arts Theatre London