Redhill theatre and wider culture to receive £10m

Funding has been earmarked for a Surrey theatre which was shut due to unstable concrete in its building.

Redhill's Harlequin Theatre closed in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was discovered.

On Thursday evening, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council agreed to allocate up to £10m for the theatre and "cultural offerings" in the borough.

Council leader Richard Biggs said: "Whatever we do, we are rebuilding it. It's a rebuilding process that we've got to go through."

The council has repeatedly insisted that it is keen to continue providing arts in Redhill.

Current projections indicate the theatre, which will require around £10m worth of remediation works, could take up to five years to reopen.

In light of this, the executive also agreed to receive a further report in June on the feasibility of a circa 200-seater performance venue in the town.

This would potentially provide an option while the Harlequin Theatre is closed.

Five options remain open for further review, including the part time use of Regent Hall in Horley Community Centre and a studio-style space in the Belfry or the Rise.

Councillor Biggs added: "My personal view is if we can make it bigger, better, stronger and still keep to the timelines…and costs that we're aiming for."

Chris Waite, chairman of the Harlequin Support Group (HSG), says the theatre's continued closure has had a "massive impact" on both performers and visitors alike.

"I think people are a little bereft," he said.

"Currently they have nowhere else to go in the borough to do what they were doing before at the Harlequin."

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