Theatre set to be made safe but improvement plan may be shelved

COUNCILLORS ADVISED TO ABANDON HARLEQUIN MODERNISATION PROJECT

- By JENNY SEYMOUR [e-mail] @JenSeymourl

WORK to remove potentially dangerous concrete from The Harlequin in Redhill is finally set to be agreed, almost two years after its discovery forced the venue's closure.

Councillors have however been advised to abandon other plans to modernise the theatre and cinema, in favour of making it safe and reopening it as soon as possible.

The discovery of Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) in September 2023 forced the immediate closure of The Harlequin.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has come under criticism for a lack of progress, but councillors have signalled a commitment to the arts in the town.

In January, they agreed to set aside £10million to spend on rescuing the Harlequin, and on an alternative arts space to serve the borough while the Warwick Quadrant facility remains out of action.