Plans to close theatre to remove Raac

Camberley Theatre could close for three months this summer for Raac removal

A theatre could close for three months this summer for urgent concrete repairs.

Surrey Heath Borough Council said the cost to remedy reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) at Camberley Theatre could run up to £640,000. 

Raac is a lightweight material that was used between the 1950s and 1990s, as a cheaper alternative to standard concrete.

The council found issues with the theatre last year when it carried out inspections on 171 buildings, but said it was "not considered an immediate risk".

A council spokesperson said the remedial work was happening "to keep the theatre open long-term".

The council said it saw the theatre as a key cog in boosting the wider economy in the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Papers released ahead of a cabinet meeting on 16 April, which will recommend the remedial work be approved, said the theatre "wasn’t just an entertainment venue but an economic engine".

The report quoted national studies that suggested every pound spent in the theatre resulted in £1.60 expenditure in the locality – which if applied to Camberley was worth £1.62m to the town centre.

The theatre is also a “significant job creator… providing employment not only for staff, artists and performers but also for an array of professionals”, the council papers said.

All existing bookings and performances that will be impacted by the proposed closures will be rescheduled for when the theatre reopens.

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