New home for Bush Theatre

The Bush Theatre has finally resolved its long battle to find a new home and end its struggle against leaking pipes and power cuts.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council last night signed a deal to that will give the innovative venue for new writing a disused public library just moments from its current base above a pub.

Councillors agreed a 125-year lease at a peppercorn rent on the former library on the Uxbridge Road, both to support the theatre and as a catalyst for the regeneration of the adjoining Shepherd's Bush market.

A full-scale feasibility study will now go ahead to assess the cost of converting the building, which has been redundant since a new library was built in the Westfield shopping centre. Initial assessments suggest it could provide up to 144 seats against an existing capacity of 81.

Artistic director Josie Rourke said the work would cost an affordable seven-figure sum and be done in stages. They would be also able to run their own income-generating bar and cafe for the first time.

Ms Rourke said: "Our current space above the pub has seen some extraordinary productions, but after 38 years it is hard to say The Bush has a long-term future there. The old library is a beautiful building and a perfect fit. This is going to be the most fun fun I've ever had."

The venue is known for having offered an early platform to writers from Stephen Poliakoff to Mamma Mia! creator Catherine Johnson.

The existing lease above a pub expires in October next year when The Bush then hopes to open its inaugural season in the library.

The current venue is a former hotel where actors have to climb an external Victorian fire escape to access the stage. The theatre even had to run a season in the dark after it was declared unsafe because of leaks at one point. Its condition was one reason cited by the Arts Council when it considered cutting its grant - a decision later reversed.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "It would be strange not to have The Bush in Shepherds Bush. We wanted to keep them in the area and their current location simply won't do. Bush at the Library will provide a cultural focus for any future market regeneration."

It was culture minister Ed Vaizey, a former Bush board member, who brokered the introduction between the two sides.