Redhill Council Explores Arts Options After Theatre Closure

A council has announced it is investigating alternative ways to provide arts and cultural events in a Surrey town while a theatre building remains inaccessible. The Harlequin theatre, situated in Redhill, has been closed since September 2023 following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). A temporary performance space also ceased operations in September, and the council has not yet committed to a new substitute venue for the Christmas period, indicating there are no current plans for a pantomime in the area. Richard Biggs, leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, stated: “In parallel with the building investigations, we are developing proposals for arts and cultural opportunities we could provide in the borough whilst we cannot access the building.” Councillor Biggs confirmed that the council has now received initial findings from a survey investigating Raac, which is “present throughout the auditorium roof and in the floors of some back of house areas”. He further added: “We will receive further detailed analysis of the panels from specialists later this month. We will be meeting with the head leaseholder in early December, after which we plan to issue a further update.” A report is scheduled to be presented to the council’s executive in January. Councillor Biggs remarked: “We acknowledge there are some frustrations with timelines, but we are working proactively to gather full evidence and information to enable an informed decision.”