Firstly and once again, I want to reassure you that reopening the Harlequin Theatre – safely, successfully, and at its original capacity – remains one of my highest priorities. I fully recognise the impact its temporary closure has had on Redhill’s town centre, local businesses, and our wider community.
Our arts officers, and economic prosperity and community safety teams, continue to engage in activities to support our businesses and wider communities – including Arts Takeover in Redhill from 5 to12 September. If you have additional thoughts on what more we could reasonably do, please let me know.
Significant progress continues behind the scenes. However, this is a highly complex project with many interdependent elements, and each stage must be completed thoroughly to secure the theatre’s long‑term future.
Theatre building update
Following major procurement exercises to identify suitable contractors, 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 reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (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.
The intricate nature of the original project has meant progress has already taken longer than I would have liked. Then the need for us to add in these further works (replacing the air handling system and the two large windows) have brought additional complexity, design work and delivery analysis which have taken time to consider properly. This has added more time to an already challenging programme (approximately six months).
However, I am pleased to confirm that we are now 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 to the Council, Apex will be appointed to undertake the construction works. To date, without the technical design having been completed, only estimates have been possible.
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 update
In parallel, we are in negotiations with our preferred operator to run the theatre. We look forward to being able to announce the operator formally once both the operator and construction works contracts have been signed.
Theatre opening date
In terms of a theatre opening date, this will also be dependent on the theatre operator – its own internal ‘fit out’ schedule and its programming of entertainment acts. Therefore we are not able to provide a date at this time.
Financial commitment
I can reassure you also that we remain financially committed to re-opening the theatre. As you know the up to £4.5 million approved for the project at the June 2025 Executive meeting remains in the Council’s capital programme, as is a further £3 million for planned maintenance works such as air handling units and window replacements. Our priority is ensuring the work is completed safely, lawfully and in a way that secures the long-term future of the theatre, including continued access for local community groups.
Thank you once again for your support for the Harlequin Theatre.
Cllr Richard Biggs
Leader
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
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