The Core Theatre in Solihull on track to reopen in April after crumbling concrete RAAC forced closure

The Core Theatre has been closed for the past year after the presence of crumbling concrete, known as RAAC, was discovered.

Solihull Council made a commitment to art lovers to reopen the building after council bosses identified RAAC – the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – in the roof following a “routine inspection” at the arts venue in Homer Road, Touchwood.

In a new update Coun Wazma Qais, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “The remediation works to the roof of The Core Theatre auditorium are progressing with the aim of an end of April 2025 opening.

“However, this will be subject to the works continuing to be on schedule. It will be wonderful to see the main theatre auditorium open again after this extended closure. The Core is the cultural heart of Solihull and the theatre is its heartbeat.

“Everyone involved with The Core is excited and committed to re-establishing The Core Theatre as a thriving and successful venue, and to welcoming back its loyal and supportive audiences.”

Coun Qais has also revealed a revamp of the venue is also being considered.

“In my last update I mentioned we were looking at additional improvement works and equipment upgrades which will include improvements to the current stage-related equipment along with upgrading of house lighting,” the councillor said.

“Other additional works to refresh the look of the theatre are still being considered and costed, and will be prioritised dependant on the overall project budget.

“Once open, audiences can expect a diverse and exciting calendar of shows and performances, including top tribute acts, musicals, film, comedy and productions from local theatre societies. There are also plans to hold a celebratory variety performance in the spring, hosted by the Mayor of Solihull for her charity fundraising event.”

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Earlier this year the council said the target was for the auditorium to resume hosting shows, performances and film screenings by April 2025, with the auditorium resuming hosting shows, performances and film screenings from September 2025.

When the venue closed in September 2023 arts lovers were forced to make a 30-minute journey to Bromsgrove’s Artrix Theatre to see performances – that short-term lease coming to an end in March this year. The rest of The Core building including the library, cafe bar, Solihull Connect and Courtyard Gallery has remained open since the closure.

The RAAC crisis made national headlines in 2023 forcing the closure of more than 100 schools and public buildings including crown courts.