Charity praises plans to repair and reopen theatre

The UK's national advisory body for theatres has welcomed a council's commitment to repair and reopen a Surrey venue which was shut after unstable concrete was discovered.

The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill closed its doors in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found throughout the building.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has said it expects the theatre to reopen in late spring 2027 if everything goes to plan.

Theatres Trust, a charitable organisation, described the arts centre as an "invaluable cultural space".

The Surrey venue was at one stage listed among the most likely theatres in the country to close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Earlier in June, the council's executive committee agreed a way forward that would involve a £4.5m repair job.

Joshua McTaggart, Theatres Trust CEO, said: "We welcome the council's commitment to safely reopening the Harlequin Theatre and cinema while minimising the time the local community is left without this invaluable cultural space.

"We are also pleased to see progress being made on plans to create an additional art and culture venue in the area, which can only add to the vibrancy and appeal of the town."

The agreed work will allow the theatre and cinema to open at its previous capacity, pending final full council sign off in July.

Modernisation plans, which would have run alongside repair work, have been put on hold, as the council considers handing over control to a private group.

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