The transformation of Plumstead's 3Arts Theatre into a vibrant shopping centre

The 3Arts Theatre, once a hub of vibrant performances, has been reborn as the 3Arts Village shopping mall in Plumstead.

After a long period of decay, the theatre’s stage and seats are gone, leaving behind only memories of the plays, performances, and community gatherings that once brought it to life.

Over the years, the theatre hosted famous names including Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Engelbert Humperdinck, Vera Lynn, Johnny Mathis, and Petula Clark. Local audiences also share fond memories of theatre shows and movies, with children imitating kung fu moves after a Bruce Lee film - moments that capture the community spirit of the venue.

The building went up around 1965, and after years of decline, the Quibell family sold the property to Rapfund Investments in October 2019. Demolition work began in August 2020, delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which lingered as an ever-present challenge throughout construction.

Despite obstacles, the revamped 3Arts Village was completed by October 2021, retaining much of the original structure while adapting it into a modern convenience shopping centre. The building’s distinctive character remains intact.

Reflecting on the transformation, Lindsay Quibell said her family was delighted to see the centre open. Her father, Ronnie Quibell, along with brothers Derek and Stephen, had worked on the plan more than 34 years ago.

Before he died in 2011, Ronnie Quibell described the theatre as “strong enough to last for 500 years”. Over the decades, the building had served as an ice rink, cinema, film studio, and farmers’ market.

Trish-Lynn Riley, head of finance at RAPfund, a property investment company, and the owner of the 3Arts Village centre, said the 31 tenants had moved into the village.

Ms Riley said: “We have seen a marked increase in footfall and trading since 3Arts Village opened in November 2021 - with almost 4 years of trading, we feel that 3Arts Village has found its place in the Plumstead community, and we think it will continue growing as we strive to meet the needs of our shoppers. Our busiest time is during the month-end and on Saturdays, and we host a monthly market on the first Saturday of the month that has quite a loyal following.”

Longtime theatre-goers have praised the careful preservation of the site’s history. Michael Burke, a former Capetonian who witnessed the 3Arts’ early stage shows in the late 1960s and early 1970s, visited the centre on a recent trip. 

He said: “So many wonderful old theatres have disappeared without a trace, but you have memorialised the 3Arts. A theatre is a temple that witnesses the presence of God in artistic creativity; it is fitting to honour those memories in this way. By contrast, Cape Town's former Opera House disappeared without a trace, and the Alhambra Theatre was replaced by a soulless monument. Thank you for taking a different approach.”