Theatre's future in balance after concrete found

A Surrey council's executive will meet to decide the future of a theatre, which had to close in September 2023 due to the discovery of Raac (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).

Reigate & Banstead Council (RBC) will meet to decide the future of the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill on 19 June, as well as discussing the creation of a new arts and cultural venue.

A report makes recommendations to secure the future of the theatre and bring it back into use as soon as possible, including to proceed with removal of the Raac and essential works to allow the theatre to reopen at previous capacity.

Before the discovery of the concrete, the theatre had a capacity of over 500 people.

The report advises the council to appoint a specialist company to market and seek expressions of interest for the Harlequin to be run by a third-party operator, with a budget of up to £40,000 for this work, funded by council reserves.

It also says RBC should allocate up to £4.5m in funding from council reserves to fund a design team and the works required to bring the Harlequin back into operation.

If approved this will also need to be agreed by the full council.

Council leader Richard Biggs said: "We remain committed to bringing the Harlequin Theatre back into use and securing its future.

"The recommendations seek to balance the community aspirations to bring the theatre back into use as quickly as possible with the need to prioritise community safety.

"The recommendation to secure a third party to operate the theatre in the future, is about seeking to ensure the financial sustainability of the theatre by reducing the council's subsidy contribution."

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