Harlequin community pledge
The Harlequin Theatre must remain accessible to local arts groups once it finally reopens, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s lead for leisure and culture has said.
Councillor Shelly Newton was answering questions from the public over the future of the landmark site -which was forced to suddenly close when dangerous crumbly concrete was found within the building in 2023.
Hopes of a quick comeback have long been on hold and as yet there still hasn’t been a contractor hired to carry out the work, let alone an announcement on who will take over its running when it is finished. It is hoped crowds will be welcomed back in 2027.
However, Cllr Newton did say the “principle” that Harlequin Theatre remains fully accessible to arts groups including the Reigate and Redhill Festival, was “built in” to the council’s expectations for any operator appointed to take it over.
The confirmation came following a question was from festival trustee David Fisher.
He said the volunteer run music and drama festival has been going for over 100 years and regularly attracted hundrerds of performers to the Harlequin Theatre until its closure.
He said: “The council has stated that their intention is to put in place an agreement with a single commercial provider, to run both the Harlequin Theatre and “Unit 5”.
“While we understand the rationale for this approach, we remain very concerned to ensure ongoing access to the Harlequin Theatre for local amateur groups on the same basis that was in place before closure.
“We have received previous assurances that such access would be part of the new agreement.
“Please would the councillor commit to actively engaging with local amateur groups and with the Harlequin Support Group on how it is proposed that this access arrangement will work, before discussions on this issue are agreed with the chosen operator?”
Cllr Newton answered by saying the council fully reconsigned that the Harlequin Theatre remained accessible to local art organisations, including the festival, once it reopens.
She said: “This principle has been built into our expectations of any operator of both the Harlequin Theatre and Unit 5.
“We have not yet reached the stage where the details are finalised. However we are very mindful of how community groups used the Harlequin Theatre before its closure, and will form the basis of discussions once an operator has been appointed.
“Before any final agreement is reached with the chosen operator we will ensure that the voice of local community users are heard and that the needs of our community groups are reflected.”
She said that any group wishing to be included should contact the council to help create a sustainable professional venue that also strengthens Harlequin Theatre as a community hub.
Discussions are expected to take place in early 2026 with community groups.
The project, she said, remained on track and a successful bidder expected to be appointed in early 2026.
Building work should then start in June 2026 with the contractor announced shortly.
She added: “As with any construction project we must always be prepared for any challenges and complications.”