Contractors to tackle RAAC and ensure enduring safety at Romiley’s Forum Theatre
The Forum Theatre in Romiley has been closed since September 2023 due to safety concerns. Stockport Council has been conducting extensive investigations and has now confirmed that contractors will be hired this month to address the issue of Reinforced Aerated Autoclave Concrete (RAAC) that has been discovered in the building.
Councillor Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader of the Council, expressed gratitude for the support and patience of the community during this challenging situation. He announced that contractors will be appointed by the end of the month and work will soon commence to make the theatre safe. This is an important step towards reopening the Forum Theatre, which is a valuable asset for the community and will be used for shows again.
Stuart Dean, Chair of The Trustees NK Theatre Arts, also welcomed the news and thanked the local community for their support. He mentioned that upcoming shows will be advertised as usual on the theatre website, with details of the venues where they will be held in the meantime.
The presence of RAAC in the Forum Theatre has been known since 2017, but it was managed according to industry standards. However, following a change in Government guidance, the Council reviewed its corporate estate and conducted an urgent inspection of the Theatre, which confirmed the presence of RAAC. As a precautionary measure, the decision was made to close the Theatre and conduct further investigations.
Extensive investigations have been ongoing to determine the necessary work to ensure the safe reopening of the Forum Theatre. The condition of the RAAC in the roof needs to be examined in detail before remedial works can be planned and implemented. Stockport Council has approached central government bodies for funding, similar to the approach taken for schools and colleges. They have also reached out to other organizations facing similar challenges to collaborate on finding solutions.
NKTA and the Council will work together to fund the necessary repairs and ensure the long-term future of the Theatre and Community Centre.
