Camberley Theatre will officially reopen on Monday 6 May 2024 following building inspection works, with a full programme of shows and performances taking place between then and the end of July confirmed.
Following the discovery that Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) had been used in the construction of some parts of Camberley Theatre, surveyors have confirmed it is safe for the theatre to remain open while preparations are made for future works, subject to relevant approvals.
The envisaged future building work aims to reinforce the RAAC to ensure its long-term integrity, so that the council can continue to offer a vibrant culture and arts programme within Surrey Heath into the medium term.
It is currently foreseen for this work to take place, subject to relevant approvals, from August to November 2024, when the theatre will be closed. The theatre will reopen once the approved works are completed.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture Cllr John Skipper said: “I'm delighted that the theatre has reopened after its temporary closure for inspection works to take place.
"We appreciate the importance of Camberley Theatre as an arts and cultural venue in our borough, and the financial contribution it makes to the local economy.
"The safety of customers and staff remains the council’s top priority, and specialist surveyors have confirmed it is safe for the theatre to stay open while we prepare for the planned future works to deal with the RAAC.
"There's a great programme of shows at the theatre over the next few months so please head to the theatre website for more details.”
It is expected that the Ian Goodchild Centre, which is immediately adjacent to the theatre, will remain open throughout any approved remedial works later this year.
All existing hires and performances impacted by the proposed closures are being rescheduled for dates when the theatre is expected to reopen.
Customers who have tickets for a show within the closure period will be contacted by Theatre staff once there are confirmed new performance dates.
Tickets will remain valid for the new dates, and customers who can make the new date do not need to do anything, but those who would prefer a refund can fill out a refund request form on the Camberley Theatre website.
The council Executive has approved proposals to undertake the work at the theatre required to deal with the RAAC, up to an additional direct cost of £175,000.
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.