'Critical risk' identified in theatre concrete

A Surrey theatre's roof and floor are a "critical risk" with many panels identified in a report as having reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

The Harlequin Theatre, in Redhill, has been closed since September 2023 when the dangerous concrete was discovered.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council commissioned a safety inspection to understand the scale of the problem, and is now exploring options for alternative venues.

On Thursday the council leader, Richard Biggs, said a meeting would be held with the head leaseholder in December to assess the report's findings, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Responding to a public question on the issue, Mr Biggs said the report had found "almost every" panel in the theatre's flat roof, pitched roof and areas of the internal floor had been classified as "red" - a "critical risk".

"That means that without significant remediation or removal of the Raac panelling, the Harlequin Theatre must remain closed for safety reasons alone," he added.

The safety inspection was followed by a full building condition survey commissioned by the council and with outcomes due after 3 December, he told the meeting.

Mr Biggs added: "Any consideration for Raac removal or remediation will undoubtedly impact on other elements of the buildings such as the heating and vent systems, meaning that we can not consider the costs of the Raac in isolation."

The Harlequin Support Group previously raised concerns with the council about local performances being left "without a theatre for far too long".

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