Dear Sir/Madam, Theatre building update I’m pleased to confirm that a planning application for the theatre works was submitted on 9 September. Viewable on our portal, the application is for the refurbishment and upgrading of the theatre, including replacement of the roof covering, improvements to mechanical and electrical systems, associated building works, and enhanced health and safety measures. The planning application is expected to be determined in November. I’m also pleased to confirm that we have instructed the scaffolding design to enable the building works. These are both important milestones. Key milestones and target dates We continue to work towards the dates below but please remember that this is a complex project with multiple interdependencies, a finite budget and is influenced by factors outside of the Council’s control. The timeline below reflects our current working assumptions: - July – October 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. This work includes Apex working with its supply chain partners to refine the design details and to plan the practical arrangements for carrying out 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:
- Planning application expected to be determined.
- Construction works estimated to begin on-site, assuming planning permission is granted, the Council accepts the Apex Contractors price and permission from the head leaseholder is secured.
- 12–15 months: Estimated duration of on-site works.
Theatre operator update As I said last month, as part of contract negotiations with our preferred theatre operator, we discussed community access. All the requests put to us by the Harlequin Support Group have been shared and are informing the negotiation process. The operator contract is tied into the construction works contract. I can also confirm that plans continue for the operator to run both the theatre and Unit 5 of The Rise (also central Redhill) in tandem as part of a combined flexible art, leisure and cultural offer. I’m pleased to see the continued progress we’ve made this month. Submitting a planning application with the detailed drawings is a big milestone. Thank you once again for your support for the Harlequin Theatre. Cllr Richard Biggs
Leader
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
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