Peterborough City Council spends £2.19m to fix Key Theatre amid public outcry

In October 2023, significant structural concerns were identified at the Key Theatre in Peterborough, England, leading to the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the auditorium roof. The presence of Raac, which poses a risk of collapse, necessitated the immediate attention of local authorities. As a direct response, Peterborough City Council allocated £2.19 million for comprehensive repairs, with plans for a tender process to follow. The Council is responsible for maintaining the building's structural integrity under its lease agreement with Landmark Theatres. To ensure the theatre's continued operation during the festive season, the Council previously spent £196,000 on a temporary roofing structure. These measures were taken to avoid disruption to Christmas performances, a crucial income source for the theatre. However, the planned repairs include essential upgrades, including the replacement of outdated heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Investigations revealed that much of the theatre's mechanical equipment had exceeded its useful life and required modernisation. The repair work is scheduled to commence in June 2024, with an aim to complete the renovations by early October. This timeline is critical for the theatre's operators, as any delays could directly affect their ability to stage the annual pantomime, a popular and financially significant event in the region. The local authority is intent on ensuring that the theatre reopens in time, recognising its importance to both the community and local economy. In addition to the Key Theatre's closure, concerns surrounding Raac have also affected other local facilities, including the Bishop's Road regional pool, which has been permanently closed since 2023 due to similar structural issues. The theatre's situation highlights broader challenges faced by public buildings using Raac, raising awareness about the importance of infrastructure safety and maintenance in the face of evolving structural standards.