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Camberley Theatre has closed so safety experts can work out just how dangerous its crumbly concrete is – whether it’s the final curtain future is uncertain.

The theatre was built in 1966 and, like many public buildings of its age, was made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) – which can suddenly collapse without warning.

The material has led to the closure of schools, hospitals and police stations across the county.

Surrey Heath Borough Council has now agreed to fund £175,000 of exploratory work – anything beyond that though will have to go back to full council for approval.

Camberley Theatre has closed so safety experts can work out just how dangerous its crumbly concrete is – whether it’s the final curtain future is uncertain. Picture courtesy of Google

When asked at what point would the council would accept razing the theatre and starting again would be a better option, borough leader Councillor Shaun Macdonald said they did not know the answer.

He said it was the intention to “try to keep the facility” but the picture would only become clear once the exploratory work was finished.

Cllr Macdonald said “We need to keep the closure as short as possible because people’s habits change and suddenly they’ll drop out of the habit.”

The council has said it does not want to lose the theatre, or at least the footfall it brings to the town as it is seen as a big economic driver.

The initial investigative work is expected to take three weeks. The council is hopeful the theatre can reopen in time for the Christmas panto season, as long as the work needed is on a level to the problems already uncovered.

Presenting the options to Surrey Heath’s executive leisure and culture portfolio holder, Councillor John Skipper. He said: “We have to be realistic that there is the potential that the worst case scenario is that the investigations could result in the theatre having to remain closed for a longer period.

He added: “The worst case scenario, the theatre would have to close for an extended period while the council decides how to resolve the situation.”

A statement from the council said it proposed to schedule work to clear the RAAC from August to October 2024 “if technically possible”.

Leader of the Council Shaun Macdonald said “It is our intention to maintain a cultural offering within the borough.

What that might be, I think, is still open at the moment as we try to navigate our way through this particular problem.”

The council hopes to complete exploratory work by May 5.

Councillor Alan Ashbery (LD, Frimley) said: “Having a theatre in Camberley is vital not only for the wellbeing of our residents but also for the economy of Camberley Town Centre.

“The current building as we know has served us well for the past 58 years but it’s starting to show its age.

He added: “It’s in no one’s interest for the theatre to remain closed while we procrastinate over this.”

Strategic director of environment and community, Nick Steevens said: “This decision reflects the importance of Camberley Theatre as an arts and cultural venue in our borough, and the financial contribution it makes to the local economy.

“Although specialists surveyors have confirmed the RAAC present in the theatre did not present an immediate risk, it needs to be dealt with in the longer term to keep the theatre open, so it can continue to play its vital role in the cultural life of residents and visitors to the borough.”

Curtain call or final curtain for Camberley Theatre