Barking and Dagenham Council has announced Artsdepot as the preferred operator to run Barking’s Broadway Theatre, marking a major step forward in strengthening the borough’s growing cultural and heritage offer. 

Following a call for proposals in January 2026, the council invited experienced organisations to put forward plans to operate the Broadway Theatre and deliver a dynamic programme of theatre, film, comedy and music that reflects the borough’s diverse community. Proposals were required to demonstrate a strong commitment to engaging families and young people while building a vibrant cultural offer for residents. 

Barking town centre is moving closer to becoming a vibrant Culture and Heritage Quarter and already boasts a growing cluster of cultural spaces and nationally significant heritage assets. These include the Barking Abbey, now recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, alongside the Women's Museum, A House for Artists, and the Ice House Quarter, home to organisations such as Bow Arts studios and The Boathouse Studios, which regularly host events and creative activity. Innovative work has been taking place at Galleons Art Centre through the testing of progressive governance models; a citizen panel has been established to develop up a set of key principles and purpose for the centre. The council is also currently finalising a proposal to see how the centre can be more actively used. 

A major milestone in the borough’s cultural development is the next chapter for the Broadway Theatre, which is expected to be brought back into active use in 2027 with a partial programme and 2028 onwards will see the theatre fully re-open.  

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: "Barking town centre has all the ingredients to become a thriving Culture and Heritage Quarter. Bringing the Broadway Theatre back into regular use with Artsdepot as the preferred operator is an exciting step forward. Their strong track record in delivering high-quality theatre, comedy and music programmes, alongside a clear commitment to engaging families and young people, makes them a great fit for our borough. 

“Together with the creative activity already taking place across Barking, from the Icehouse Quarter to the Galleons Art Centre, this will help strengthen our cultural offer for residents and support our ambition to establish Barking and Dagenham as a cultural destination." 

Monique Deletant, Chief Executive and Creative Director at Artsdepot said: “Artsdepot firmly believes in working with local artists, communities and organisations to ensure that the offer will be brilliant for Barking and Dagenham residents. We are so excited to be part of the cultural quarter and we look forward to shaping the programme in response to local residences. Being an arts centre that celebrates local, national and international talent we hope this is the start of a journey that provides opportunity and inspiration for the next generation."

These developments form part of the council’s Culture and Heritage Strategy 2024–2030, which sets out a bold vision for the borough. Through collaboration and partnerships across the arts, culture and heritage sectors, the strategy aims to enrich lives, foster an inclusive and vibrant cultural community, and celebrate the rich heritage of Barking and Dagenham while supporting the borough’s continued cultural growth.