Newsletter - Mon 26 Aug, 2024

By David Grantham

Headlines

• Harlequin closure confirmed while options assessed

• Four-dog limit for walkers

• Somerset Road play area to be upgraded

• News round-up (6 items)

Harlequin closure confirmed while options assessed

• Campaigners at the town hall (Emily Dalton/LDRS)

By Emily Dalton, Local Democracy Reporter (edited)

Plans to close the Harlequin Theatre for the foreseeable future have been approved, with no alternative venue in place. 

The Redhill theatre and cinema closed in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has now agreed a “substantial reduction” in theatre staff to save ongoing costs.

The pop-up theatre in the Belfry shopping centre will also close in September as it comes to the end of its contract, and the Christmas pantomime show will be cancelled due to the costs and challenges of not having a theatre venue.

Reports (Si apre in una nuova finestra) to the council’s executive committee meeting on 15 August (Si apre in una nuova finestra) said the “substantially reduced” Harlequin team will focus on developing a business plan for providing art and culture for the area for 2025-2026 and beyond.