Concert venue expected to stay shut until 2026

Singer Alfie Boe and comedian Adrian Edmondson were due to perform at St David's Hall when it closed last year

A major concert venue in Cardiff could be closed for months longer than expected.

St David's Hall was closed in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found.

The city’s main classical music venue, which needs to have its roof replaced, was originally expected to remain closed until 2025.

However, listed building consent, which is needed before any work can take place, has not been obtained yet and the hall might not reopen until 2026.

At a full Cardiff council meeting, the leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Rodney Berman, asked for a progress update on the venue.

Jennifer Burke, council’s cabinet member for culture, sports and parks, said the listing of the building has “significantly prolonged the process” of its repair.

She said it was anticipated that work could take 18 months to complete once all planning permissions are secured.

An inspection at the hall last year found that the roof needed to be completely replaced due to the condition of panels in the ceiling.

Experts were brought in to look at the hall after health and safety guidance changed on Raac.

The material is a type of lightweight concrete which is prone to sudden failure as it ages and is found to have a limited lifespan.