NK Theatre Arts and Stockport Council have announced that the Forum Theatre in Romiley will temporarily close, in light of revised guidance on reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC) issued on 31 August 2023 by the UK Government. 

The presence of RAAC in The Forum Theatre has been known about since roof repairs were undertaken in 2017 and since then, the council says, it has been managed in accordance with industry standards.

Concerns have been raised recently over the safety and structural integrity of RAAC. 

A statement from Stockport Council reads: "As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of our staff, performers and visitors, we have taken the decision to close the theatre to the public in line with Government guidance to undertake further investigations. This approach is also being taken by other theatres and performance spaces as you may have seen in the press.

"We realise this will be very disappointing to our patrons and our performers but our priority is to make sure the building is safe. 

"Anyone who has purchased tickets for immediate events impacted will be contacted by the box office with information on refunds or alternative dates should performances be rescheduled."

RAAC was developed in the 1920s; whereas sand, gravel, water and cement are the conventional ingredients in concrete, RAAC involves aluminium powder. 

This generates a chemical reaction, producing hydrogen gas which creates tiny air pockets within the cement. This made it lightweight, and installable in panels. 

In the post-war years, RAAC was used in public buildings, such as schools and courthouses.

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