Plans for immersive Abba themed restaurant dropped after locals' complaints
A plan for an immersive Abba themed restaurant in Waterloo has been dropped following fierce opposition from locals.
Mamma Mia! The Party has been operating in Stockholm since 2016. Guests are served Mediterranean food and drink on a ‘set' replicating a Greek taverna while ABBA songs are performed by singers around them.
Behind the plan to bring the experience to London was former member of the Swedish pop group, Björn Ulvaeus.
Ulvaeus had hoped the local community would take a chance on him and the project, but despite gaining planning permission for a temporary development at 108 Stamford Road, he has dropped the plans in the face of local opposition, which saw more than 700 people sign a petition against the proposal.
Campaigners had also requested permission to apply for a judicial review opposing the approval arguing that the site should have been considered for affordable housing.
Mamma Mia! The Party to London and hope to do so in spring 2019 as planned.
"However I have reached the conclusion that the party should not open on the South Bank near Waterloo. Despite being granted planning permission in November 2017, I've taken seriously the concerns expressed by some local residents living around Stamford Street and so have decided not to go ahead with our plans on this site.
"We have been looking at some equally exciting alternatives in London and expect to announce a new location shortly."
