Future of Redhill's cultural "heart" to be decided

The popular theatre was forced to shut in 2023 after the dangerous aerated concrete, which can crumble and collapse without warning, was found throughout the building.

It can not reopen until the problem is resolved as the council is unable to get public liability insurance – and the repair and refurbishment bill required for the remediation work is expected to cost about £10 million.

Next week, on Thursday, January 9, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is holding a special scrutiny meeting to give its feedback into the measures set to be approved at the end of the month.

The Harlequin Theatre is seen as the borough’s home of cultural delivery, the council has said, and has bee been in the “heart of Redhill for around 40 years”.

In 2022-23, its last full year open, it welcomed more than 100,000 people through its doors. By September 2023 it was forced to close when reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered.

A survey has since found intrusive RAAC throughout the Harlequin Theatre with much of it categorised at a red status level – highest risk of failure.

To move forward the council will need to weigh up the cost of reopening the theatre.

Current estimates suggest this to be in the region of £10 million to “remove and remediate the RAAC and refurbish the theatre to bring it back into use in its previous configuration”.

“Further analysis of the costs is required but the following estimates provide a guide, plus professional fees and contingency.

“All roofs will require replacement within the next three years.

“This along with the removal of RAAC, access arrangements, rainwater goods, part plant/mechanical and electrical and windows is estimated at £4.5 million.

“Remaining upgrading of mechanical and electrical services, along with installation of environmental considerations for new plant and technologies is estimated at £2.1 million.

“Redecoration, fixtures fittings etc brought forward is estimated at £2.0 million.”

The council says it is keen to continue providing arts in Redhill and will be considering the part time use of Regent Hall in Horley Community Centre.

It is also looking at finding a temporary performance space structure, studio style space in the Rise and the Belfry as well as time use of performance space in local schools.

Papers being put to the committee also mention looking at the feasibility for a 200-seat fixed venue.

The meeting will present its views with any findings passed to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s executive to decide on January 30.