News London Borough of Harrow reaches final for Great Placemaking Partner at Great British Theatres Awards
9 Sept 2026
News Story
London Borough of Harrow has been announced as a finalist in the Great Placemaking Partner category of Theatres Trust’s Great British Theatres Awards.
The Great British Theatres Awards recognise the theatres and their champions that are making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life. The awards were launched as part of Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Great Placemaking Partner award recognises local authorities that truly values culture and are investing in cultural infrastructure to meaningfully benefit their local communities.
The nomination highlights Harrow's long-term investment in cultural infrastructure and creative opportunities across the borough, including the transformation of Harrow Arts Centre (HAC) into one of north-west London's leading cultural venues. Through sustained investment, HAC now welcomes more than 280,000 visits each year and serves as a vibrant hub for performances, creative projects and community activity.
The impact has been significant. During 2025/26, audience numbers increased by 103%, while the centre hosted 246 performances and events. HAC also supported 25 local artists through residencies and commissions and provided development opportunities for 54 emerging creatives through its Young Creatives programme.
The council's commitment to culture extends beyond traditional venues. Art Park Harrow, a former car park transformed into a creative community space, now hosts artist studios, exhibitions, performances and events. Since launching, the project has contributed to a 14.75% increase in town centre footfall, helping attract new visitors and support the local economy.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how investment in culture is supporting local talent, bringing communities together and contributing to the wider regeneration of the borough.
Cllr Janet Mote, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, says, "We're delighted that Harrow has been recognised for its commitment to culture. This nomination reflects the positive impact that sustained investment can have on communities and the important role culture plays in making Harrow a great place to live, work and visit."
"From the continued success of Harrow Arts Centre to innovative projects such as Art Park Harrow, we are creating opportunities for local artists, supporting our town centres and ensuring residents can enjoy high-quality cultural experiences close to home."
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says, “Through capital investment, policy, and partnerships, the Great Placemaking Partner finalists are regenerating town centres, strengthening local economies and building civic pride through collaboration and their support of local theatres. Theatres Trust knew there was a need to celebrate theatres and the local authorities who help them to thrive, but our judges had an incredibly hard time selecting the finalists. I want to extend my congratulations to every one of them. We can’t wait to celebrate our Great British Theatres in style this November.”
The full list of finalists for this category are: Glasgow City Council; Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council; Lambeth Council and London Borough of Harrow.
The winners will be revealed at the Great British Theatres Awards ceremony at Central Hall Westminster on Monday 2 November 2026. Tickets will be available to purchase online via Theatres Trust’s website.
Theatres Trust
Theatres Trust is the national advice and advocacy body for the UK’s theatres supporting all forms of theatres, whether old or new, commercial, subsidised or community-run. We protect theatres and champion the future of live performance by advising and supporting our nation’s theatres to develop best practice in design and management following the four principles of resilience, environmental sustainability, inclusivity and placemaking.
