Harlequin Theatre & Cinema update

On Thursday 15 August 2024, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's Executive met to decide on an immediate way forward for leisure and cultural provision in the borough whilst the Harlequin Theatre and Cinema is closed, following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC concrete) in September 2023.

At the meeting, the Executive agreed the recommended options (Option 1), which included ceasing the existing interim provision to focus on developing a business case for a medium-term cultural offering for the borough (based in Redhill if possible) which will be reported to Executive in early 2025. This means that the Harlequin’s staff team will be reduced to a core team of two to three staff who will work on developing the business case.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Council Leader: “We recognise the strength of feeling that many local residents share about the Harlequin and understand their concerns. Our commitment to the arts is not in question. Last night’s meeting was specifically to consider options and decide on the course of action that the Council needs to take now with the building currently unable to be used.

“We did not anticipate being in this situation. Since the building’s closure, officers have been working closely with external partners to establish the implications of RAAC and respective responsibilities, as well as working innovatively to ensure that some arts activities could continue, albeit not in the usual way.

“This decision recognises the need to use public money appropriately and therefore focus on developing sustainable plans for a future cultural offering while the Harlequin building remains closed.

“We are sorry that this means that most of our loyal, hardworking staff will now be at risk of redundancy. We are committed to working closely with those affected, including looking for alternative roles where possible. We know this has been and will continue to be a difficult time for them, especially as many have been with us for a long time. I thank them for their expertise, dedication and innovation.

“Work to explore potential options for the medium-term is already well underway, including, looking at the type of cultural offer that the Harlequin could provide in another Redhill town centre unit, and considering the potential to work in partnership with another organisation, such as a school. All options present their own opportunities, challenges and financial considerations, and not all will be viable upon further investigation.

“In working up the options, we will engage with local stakeholders, including existing and potential users of art and cultural spaces, residents, customers and others.

“We plan to hold an event in the autumn to listen to and understand community needs to help us shape the offer. We’ll publish the date of this meeting and how to get involved nearer the time.”

At the meeting an update was given on the status of the RAAC survey plans. Officers met with representatives of the head leaseholder on 7 August 2024. Plans for further survey work, in what is a complex structure, were discussed and work is being undertaken to refine those plans including the timelines for the required survey work as soon as possible. A long-term decision regarding the Harlequin in the Warwick Quadrant will depend on the outcome of further RAAC survey work.