Plans to convert site into theatre space approved

Plans for a second performing arts and culture building in a Surrey town have been approved.

Unit five of the recently-completed Marketfield Way leisure and housing development in Redhill town centre will be converted into a new theatre space.

It comes after £4.5m was agreed by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's executive to remove unstable concrete from the closed Harlequin Theatre to get it back in public use by 2027.

The change of use for the unit will provide an extra cultural facility within the town and aims to address a gap in the area's cultural and entertainment offerings, particularly while the Harlequin remained closed.

Externally, unit five will remain unchanged, but inside there will be a stage and seating area, together with foyer, bar, dressing rooms and ticket area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Della Torra said: "It's going to be really well-used and hopefully, as we now know, the Harlequin will be rebuilt [and] reused, so it wont' be a replacement."

While the plans were approved without a vote against, Councillor Michael Blacker raised concerns the new theatre space would be run as a competitor, rather than partner, of the Harlequin.

However, he said: "The community space has to be welcomed, anything that provides for our residents is to be welcomed, that is what we are here for."

The Harlequin Theatre closed in 2023 after RAAC was discovered throughout the building.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.