Raac-riddled theatre reopens after £2.2m revamp

A theatre forced to shut following the discovery of dangerous crumbling concrete has reopened after a major redevelopment.

The Key Theatre, in Peterborough, was first shut in September 2023 when reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in its roof, putting it at risk of collapse.

After a temporary roof structure was installed, the 400-seat venue closed again last May for essential works to make it safe.

The £2.2m project has now been completed.

Natalie Phillips of Landmark Theatres, which runs the venue, told the BBC the work was needed to "futureproof" the building.

"The Key Theatre is a cultural cornerstone for the community here and it's so important to many, many people. It's a very loved space," she said.

"There's been so many memories made here throughout the years, so we are really keen to get the communities back into this building.

"This is a place that people really hold in their hearts, and I think for everybody it really feels like home and comfortable."

Work on the 1973 theatre, owned by Peterborough City Council, was meant to be finished in September but was delayed after structural investigations.

As well as repairs to the roof, new air cooling and air handling units have been installed and the building's fire safety has been "enhanced".

Mohammed Jamil, Labour cabinet member for finance and corporate governance, said he was "absolutely delirious with happiness" that the theatre was finally reopening.

"It's one of our jewels in our crown in our city, so we found the money from our reserves, because some things are worth spending money on," he said.

"We need more places like this because we've been culturally starved in this city, so hopefully it acts as a magnet for people and brings more people to the city."

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