The future of a much-loved Hitchin theatre is under threat from property developers.

The Market Theatre on Sun Street has been putting on popular shows as part of Hitchin's cultural scene for a quarter of a century – but plans have emerged for the town centre site to be turned into flats.

Plans have been submitted to NHDC for three two-bed and two one-bed flats under the applicate name of 'Schischa' via agent Michael Easton.

Since opening its doors in November 1996 the building has played host to more than 200 new shows over many thousands of nights.

Yet, plans have been lodged with North Herts District Council to turn the former industrial unit in the heart of Hitchin into residential property.

Artistic director Kirk Foster told Hitchin Nub News: "This sudden news that our landlord is looking to turn our home into flats is devastating.

"Outside of recent Covid restrictions we are a home to live theatre, to our hundreds of children who attend our kids drama clubs and to groups and societies looking for a place to meet, including the Hub Church.

"Losing this property won't just affect us it will affect many others in our community."

A much-loved Hitchin fixture

The Market Theatre had been bouncing back after struggling during the Covid pandemic with a campaign to ensure its long-term future striking a chord with many in the town.

More than 100 professional actors have trodden the boards at the theatre including actor Adam Astill - known for his work in Holby City as Dan Hamilton, Eastenders as Luke Browning and recently as Dr Hammond in CBeebies series, Andy's Safari Adventures.

Sue Vincent and Glen Davies are also high profile actors who were founding members of the company. Sue is known for her work in Sky One's Mount Pleasant. Glen Davies is known locally and starred as Mr Angry Pants in CBBC's Bear Behaving Badly as well as appearing in many of the best known soaps and dramas on TV.

A community hub in the town centre

Theatre manager Glyn Doggett told Nub News: "Kirk and many local performers have put time and love into turning this old industrial unit into our home over the last 25 years.

"We have many exciting plans for the future and to lose our base, particularly at this difficult time would be really sad for everyone involved and our loyal patrons who have supported us over the years."

"Hitchin is a destination town with many fantastic local restaurants and places to visit - so having a theatre and community hub in the town centre is extremely important in complementing these other great assets, bringing in the public from Hitchin and the wider area to watch it's shows.

"The town centre should be a place for the arts to flourish and with a growing number of restaurants, pubs and cafes it represents a great destination for visitors to the local area, town centre flats only stop these tourist attractions from flourishing."

Have your say

If you would like to comment on the proposals see the details below:

References and details for the two applications:

20/03065/FP - Change of use from theatre ( Sui generis ) to residential (C3) including external alterations to fenestration to create three 2-bed and two 1-bed flats. | The Market Theatre 6A Sun Street Hitchin Hertfordshire

You can also add your comments / objections directly by emailing the case officer Tom Rea on [email protected] and quoting both reference numbers