Underbelly's theatre on Embankment halted

Plans for a new theatre on Victoria Embankment Gardens have been withdrawn.

The 650-seater theatre was to be run by Underbelly, also responsible for venues in Edinburgh on the South Bank and in Leicester Square.

The theatre would have been on Victoria Embankment Gardens from February to October 2017 for the next three years. The Stage has reported that plans have been withdrawn due to strong criticism from neighbours.

Plans were submitted to Wesminster City Council in August, but local residents objected due to it taking over green space in central London.

A statement from Underbelly, which confirms the decision, has been released: "Underbelly has withdrawn its application for Victoria Embankment Gardens. We are exploring other possible locations in London for this forthcoming project."

The theatre was due to house Five Guys Named Moe next year.