Roof repairs to close city theatre for four months

A city theatre with concrete at risk of collapse is set to be closed for four months while the structure is replaced and mechanical systems repaired.

Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was discovered in the auditorium roof of the Key Theatre in Peterborough in October 2023.

Peterborough City Council has allocated £2.19m for the planned works with a tender process due to begin next month.

Work on a new permanent roof is set to begin in June with the aim of reopening the theatre by early October, ahead of next year's panto season.

The authority spent £196,000 on a temporary roof structure so the theatre could stay open for this year's festive performances.

A report being presented before councillors on Tuesday allocated £1.54m to replacing the Raac, with the rest being spent on other upgrades such as replacing heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

Investigations revealed much of the theatre's mechanical equipment was "life-expired" and needed to be brought up to modern standards.

Under its lease agreement with Landmark Theatres, the local authority is responsible for costs associated with the fabric and structure works in the building.

Peterborough's regional pool in Bishop's Road has been permanently closed since 2023, also due to issues with Raac in the building.

The council pointed out that any delays to the theatre's planned October reopening would "potentially impact on the operator's ability to deliver the annual pantomime programme which provides a significant source of income".

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