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Surrey Theatre Roof Upgrade Moves Closer to Reopening
28 Oct
Summary
- Harlequin Theatre faces roof replacement due to RAAC concrete concerns.
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council recommended to approve roof plans.
- Hoped visitors return to the theatre in 2028 after safety work.
The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill, which has been closed since 2023, is nearing a critical stage for its reopening. The venue was shut down due to the discovery of crumbly RAAC concrete, posing a significant collapse risk. Plans for essential roof removal and replacement, alongside new electrical installations, are now progressing.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's planning committee has received a recommendation to approve these vital works. These improvements are deemed necessary to ensure the theatre's safety and functionality. The building, part of a larger block including the Belfry Shopping Centre and constructed in the 1980s, requires comprehensive safety measures before it can be occupied again.
While a definitive reopening date is unconfirmed, there is hope that audiences can return by 2028. The completion of safety work and the final interior fit-out, which must be approved by new operators, are still pending. The planning committee is scheduled to meet on October 28 to consider the proposals.