Now that the new Mitcham fire station is open for business, it is time to focus attention on the future of the old fire station. Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage has long been campaigning for this to become a community arts venue.

The transformation would be fitting for this much loved locally listed building, whose engine room is ideal to become a flexible space to be used as a theatre and community cinema. We regularly hear how much Mitcham needs and wants a cinema, and the old fire station is crying out to take on this role.

Additional facilities such as a cafe, space for local arts organisations and schools to hold events and displays and incubator space for local creative businesses would be a real asset for Mitcham.

What better future could there be for a locally listed building in the heart of Cricket Green Conservation Area which has been serving the people since the 1920s, than to continue its public service role?

We know our aspiration for a community arts venue has the support of local people, and we have partners in the arts sector ready and waiting to move this project forward.

The alternative is that the old fire station is sold to a developer for conversion into flats or a retail space. We have heard many rumours, even of a drive through McDonalds on the site.

We urge Merton Council, as both planning authority and owner of access to the building, to publicly support our ambitions and help secure this wonderful venue for current and future generations to enjoy.

John Strover

Chairman Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage