Theatre shut for 'foreseeable future' - council

The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema has been shut since 26 September

A Redhill theatre will not reopen for the "foreseeable future" following a council recommendation.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council said the Harlequin Theatre and Cinema will remain closed because it needed to "rationalise" costs and focus on "future options".

It warned "many loyal, hardworking staff" would be impacted and some could face redundancy if the recommendation was adopted.

The venue was closed in September after the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

Used widely between the 1950s and 1990s as a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, Raac poses safety risks as it is less durable and susceptible to structural failure.

It is present in public buildings throughout the country.

The local authority said it had hoped the theatre would be closed temporarily, but the extent of the Raac in the building and its complex structure was too great.

It told the BBC a long-term decision would depend on further Raac survey work.

Councillor Nadean Moses, executive member for sustainability and leisure, said keeping the theatre closed would "significantly reduce" the council's operating costs.

She added councillors were committed to providing an arts and cultural offer in the medium and long-term.

Outdoor events at the theatre will finish on 7 September.

The council will meet to discuss future options on 15 August.