The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill has been shuttered since September 2023, following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) within its structure. These Raac panels have been classified as "critical red," indicating a significant threat to the building's integrity. The local council, responsible for managing the theatre, estimates that it may take up to five years to address these safety concerns and potentially reopen the venue.
Council leader Richard Biggs has acknowledged the urgency and public interest surrounding the situation. Despite hopes of reopening within two to three years, he expressed that a timeline extending to five years is more realistic. This extended closure period is primarily due to the complex nature of the refurbishment work, which is projected to cost £10 million.
"I understand the strong feeling and interest in resolving this situation at the Harlequin." – Richard Biggs
Currently, the council is actively seeking alternative sites to accommodate the theatre's diverse functions, including its café, audition spaces, and performance venues. While they have not dismissed the possibility of finding a larger venue, such a prospect appears increasingly unlikely. Consequently, the arts community may need to adapt to a venue with fewer than 500 seats.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has detailed the council's ongoing efforts to identify suitable locations that can temporarily fulfill the theatre's roles. However, attempts to secure a 500-seat venue have thus far proven fruitless. The council remains committed to finding a solution that will best serve the needs of the arts community and mitigate the impact of the theatre's prolonged closure.
"The critical red nature of the Raac panels means that this is going to take some time to resolve." – Richard Biggs
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