Redhill theatre and library close over potentially dangerous concrete
It has been described as a precautionary measure
Last updated 30th Sep 2023
A Surrey library has closed as a precautionary measure due to the possible discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in a town centre complex.
Surrey County Council took the decision to close Redhill library on Wednesday (September 27), following the closure of The Harlequin Theatre on the same day.
The discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) closed schools across the country, with three affected in Surrey, at the start of the school year.
Concerns have also been raised about Frimley Park hospital, which has previously been described as having a roof “like an Aero bar”.
An inspection and survey of the building the Harlequin Theatre and cinema is in will be carried out, though it is not clear how long the theatre will be closed.
A county council spokesperson said the library, in Warwick Quadrant, would be closed while inspections took place.
The spokesperson said: “The safety of our library users and our library staff is our priority.
“This closure is a precautionary measure whilst we work with the property owners, Reigate and Banstead Council and undertake further investigations ourselves.”
They said while they understood it may be disappointing for library users, other libraries, including in Reigate, were open for use.
Updates would be coming in due course, the spokesperson said.
Ticket holders for the Harlequin Theatre, which opened its doors in December 1986, were asked not to call with questions about tickets for this week.
A spokesperson for the theatre said: “Ticket holders for performances this week will be contacted directly regarding their tickets.”