Theatre closes for investigation over Raac concerns

Camberley Theatre is expected to be closed until 5 May for exploratory work

A Surrey theatre has closed for an investigation into the safety of its concrete structure.

Camberley Theatre was built in 1966 when reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was used, a lightweight but less durable alternative to standard concrete.

Surrey Heath Borough Council has agreed to fund £175,000 of exploratory work.

The council hopes to complete the initial work by 5 May.

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

At this stage it is unclear whether this will be the final curtain call for the theatre, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council leader Shaun Macdonald said he and his colleagues did not know whether razing the theatre and rebuilding would be a better option.

Mr Macdonald said the council's intention was to “try to keep the facility” but the picture would only become clear once the exploratory work was finished.

He added: “We need to keep the closure as short as possible because people’s habits change and suddenly they’ll drop out of the habit.”

Councillor John Skipper said the investigation could result in the "theatre having to remain closed for a longer period".

A statement from the council said it proposed to schedule work to clear the Raac from August to October 2024 “if technically possible”.

Councillor Alan Ashbery said surveyors "confirmed the Raac present in the theatre did not present an immediate risk" but it needed to be dealt with to keep the theatre open.

Anything beyond the agreed £175,000 for the investigation will have to go back to full council for approval.