Surrey Heath Borough Council has approved work to address the existence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) at Camberley Theatre.
The work aims to rectify the condition of the RAAC and ensure that the council can continue to offer a vibrant culture and arts programme within Surrey Heath.
Strategic Director of Environment and Community, Nick Steevens said: “This decision reflects the importance of Camberley Theatre as an arts and cultural venue in our borough, and the financial contribution it makes to the local economy.
“Although specialists surveyors have confirmed the RAAC present in the theatre did not present an immediate risk, it needs to be dealt with in the longer term to keep the theatre open, so it can continue to play its vital role in the cultural life of residents and visitors to the borough.”
To better understand the extent of the works required, the theatre will be closed for a period of three weeks from Monday 15 April to Sunday 5 May 2024 for further detailed surveys, and to identify how best to deal with this in a way that would minimise future disruption to activities.
The safety of customers and staff remains the council’s top priority, and therefore it is important that the council takes steps to ensure that the existence of RAAC is properly addressed.
The Executive has approved proposals to undertake the work required to deal with the RAAC, up to an additional direct cost of £175,000, to ensure that, once completed, the theatre can reopen as soon as possible.
This provides the lowest short-term cost whilst sustaining the cultural, social and economic benefit of the venue. Any further expenditure would need to be taken back to the council Executive for approval.
It is proposed the remedial works are scheduled from August to October 2024 if technically possible.
It is expected that the Ian Goodchild Centre, which is immediately adjacent to the theatre, will remain open throughout the period of the inspections and remedial works.
All existing hires and performances impacted by the proposed closures are being rescheduled for dates when the theatre is expected to reopen.