Deputy leader says The Core theatre is on track to reopen next month
Solihull Council deputy leader Councillor Karen Grinsell(Image: Sam Greenway LDR)
The deputy leader of the council has offered reassurance there will be no more RAAC disruptions ahead of the reopening of a major Solihull theatre.
The Core Theatre in Solhull has been closed for more than a year after the crumbling concrete was discovered.
Officials identified RAAC – the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – in the roof of the theatre in Homer Road, Touchwood, following a routine inspection in September 2023.
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That year the RAAC crisis made national headlines forcing the closure of more than 100 schools and public buildings including crown courts.
When Solihull’s venue closed arts lovers were forced to make a 30-minute journey to Bromsgrove ’s Artrix Theatre to watch performances.
Councillor Karen Grinsell said: “RAAC was found at lots of buildings across the country.
“The Core only had a very small section above the staging area which was quite difficult to get to.
“It was a tough situation to close but we had to do it, there was no choice – safety comes first.
“The rest of The Core building has remained open – we inspected all our council assets and there are no other buildings affected.
“We have made sure, no more surprises that we can see.”
The councillor said both Solihull and Bromsgrove benefited from having performances at The Artrix during that period, and they also made the best of the situation in other ways.
(Image: Sam Greenway LDR)
“It led us to expanding our theatre offer outdoors – with ‘Fresh Air Theatre’ we took small productions out into the community,” the councillor said.
“We would love to keep that going as it takes arts out to different parts of the community who may not come into a theatre.”
In the 18 months since the closure remedial works to remove the RAAC took place but it was also decided to take the opportunity to upgrade the theatre with a new ‘fly and winch system’.
In the Studio – another space used by performers – further upgrades have included new flooring, furniture and a new dressing room designed to provide top-class facilities for performers.
(Image: Solihull Council)
The deputy leader said everything was on track for the grand reopening on Sunday, May 4, when the 336-seater main auditorium will be used for the first time in 20 months.
“I know people will have missed it, people have regularly been asking ‘when is it back open, can we come back’ – and they will be very happy now,” the councillor said.
The first event is expected to be a sold out ‘We are Solihull’ show – a variety performance featuring music, dance and spoken word being hosted by Solihull Council’s mayor Councillor Shahin Ashraf celebrating her year in office.
The mayor said: “I can think of no better venue than The Core Theatre to host it (the last of her year of events).
“As the home of culture in Solihull, it has been sorely missed and I know the acts we have in store are going to go down a treat.”
(Image: Solihull Council)
The mayor has remained tight-lipped over who a special VIP guest performer will be on the night but there have been promises of a big name.
Meanwhile the deputy leader said there was lots to look forward to as a full calendar is planned for the rest of the year.
Shows already in the diary include the Take That Experience, a 1980’s night Calling Planet Earth, a 1960’s celebration Twist and Shout, the D-Day Darlings helping to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the return of pantomimes with Aladdin set to close out the year.
For more details of the shows at the theatre, and to book tickets, visit thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk.