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.

Theatre building

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 have now (as of October 2026) received the final technical design for the final (Royal Institute of British Architects, or RIBA) design stage (Technical Design) to enable Apex Contractors to provide the detailed costs for the construction works. Assuming the quote is acceptable, Apex will be appointed to undertake the works.

A planning application was submitted for the theatre works on 10 September. Viewable on our planning 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 application is expected to be considered by the Planning Committee at their meeting on 28 October. It is an important milestone.

You may have seen some activity around the theatre during the last month. This has been intrusive work to help further inform both the technical design for the overall building work and the scaffolding design. This includes planning how the RAAC roof panels will be removed. It has also included testing noise levels to guide the new ventilation system design and checking further concealed areas.

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 – 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.

  • Planning application expected to be determined.

• November 2026

  • Construction works estimated to begin onsite at the end of the month, if planning permission is granted, the Council accepts the price and permission from the head leaseholder is secured. We are also working with the new East Surrey Shadow Authority to gain approval.

• 12–15 months Estimated duration of on-site 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 agreed.

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.