Council bosses have played down concerns that a new theatre company, poised to take over Greenwich’s historic Borough Halls,  would spell the end of Greenwich Theatre.

It comes after it was revealed that 50 companies were contacted to take on the run-down building, with the only other interested party a light showroom.

Theatre company Selladoor are set to move into the art-deco Borough Halls, which was home to Greenwich Dance, following the council’s committal to having a performing arts hub there.

Councillors expressed concern again last night, June 20, that the competition would cause problems for Greenwich Theatre, which is near enough next door.

Councillor Stanley David said: “I do think it is something we should be treating with caution. It needs serious consideration. There is a real risk that that a new theatre next to Greenwich Theatre could create problems.

“One thing I want to be taken forward is a dialogue with Greenwich. We need to know that Selladoor is going to be different.

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“Saying Selladoor won’t have a pantomime at Christmas is fine, but if they have an all singing, all dancing musical, that will still cause problems. It would be good to facilitate joint working.”

Greenwich Theatre was established as a music hall in 1855, and has an auditorium of about 400 people.

The theatre company preparing to take over the site are planning a 640-seater auditorium and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Cabinet member for Leisure, Miranda Williams, reiterated that Selladoor’s offer would be different from anything that exists, with the company planning to provide an alternative to the West End.

“Up until recently Selladoor and Greenwich Theatre were working together, they have been coexisting in Greenwich for some time”, the cllr said.

“If you look at their programmes, they are very different. Very different, they appeal to different audiences. Working together and working with Greenwich Theatre we are more than happy. We will have to agree to disagree over who wants to see what, but I believe the audiences that they will be able to attract will be very different.”

Selladoor Worldwide, which was named as the company officially last night, aims to “engage young and adult audiences, along with first-time attendees, encouraging the next generation of theatre-goers by providing dynamic and diverse productions.”

Council bosses admitted the building had been tough to ship, with a lot of work required to get it up to scratch.

The panel was told that 50 different companies had been contacted before Selladoor, which was the only interested party other than a light showroom.

The building is riddled with problems including asbestos, which it’s estimated would cost at least £10m to fix.

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Scrutiny councillors said it was concerning that despite its efforts, the council had not attracted any other organisations to the Borough Halls other than Selladoor.

Councillors said it was important the authority was getting value for money and would not be left liable.

A public consultation is set to be launched, with councillors waiting for the results on that before making further recommendations to cabinet next month.