Harlequin Theatre & Cinema

The Council is currently working to bring the Harlequin Theatre back into use since its closure in September 2023 following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

In June 2025, after significant exploratory work and a detailed review of options, the Council’s Executive agreed a way forward – to remove the RAAC and undertake other essential works to reopen the theatre at its previous capacity of just under 500 seats.

We have been working with the Bailey Partnership (since Autumn 2025) and Apex Contractors (since April 2026), to progress detailed design and preparatory work for the removal of the RAAC, the replacement roof structure and associated essential works.

These works will now include replacing the air handling system and two large windows (on the Station Road façade which go directly into the roof structure) both of which have become necessary to bring the building back into operation.

We are currently (as of July 2026) in the final (Royal Institute of British Architects, or RIBA) design stage: Technical Design. This stage will enable Apex Contractors’ to provide a detailed price for construction works.

Assuming the quote is acceptable, Apex will be appointed to undertake the construction works.

Key milestones and target dates

This is a complex project with multiple interdependencies, a finite budget and influenced by factors outside of the Council’s control. The timeline below reflects our current working assumptions:

• July – September 2026:  Technical design phase working with the Bailey Partnership and Apex Contractors under a pre‑construction service agreement, which will enable Apex to produce a detailed price for the construction work.
• October 2026: Agree detailed price for the work.
  • Note: If the submitted price exceeds the approved budget, we will need to look into alternative contractors which would affect timelines.
• November 2026: Construction works estimated to begin onsite, if the Council accepts the price and permission from the head leaseholder is secured.
• 12–15 months Estimated duration of onsite works.

Theatre operator

Historically the theatre was run in-house by the Council. Going forward we will be moving to a different operating model – with a third party operating the theatre.

An operator has been selected and we are currently negotiating the contract details. We will be pleased to announce the name once this contract has been signed.

Reflecting our commitment to expanding arts and culture in the area, we are also progressing with a second arts and cultural venue in central Redhill in Unit 5 of The Rise.

Community use - including community-led programming and activity - must remain central to the operation of both venues. We will be encouraging the future operator to work with local community providers to support the diversity of genres and to support community as well as commercial programming at the venues.

We will keep these pages updated with developments.