UK venues close due to crumbling concrete fears

At least 10 venues have closed indefinitely after finding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in their infrastructures

News By Lisa Henderson | 11 September 2023

Preston's Guildhall has suffered a comeback blow from the presence of RAAC
Preston's Guildhall has suffered a comeback blow from the presence of RAAC © Wikimedia Commons/Francis Franklin

An increasing number of entertainment venues in the UK are closing due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their infrastructures.

In the last week, at least 10 concert venues and theatres have shut their doors after inspectors flagged RAAC: Preston’s Guildhall, The Orchard in Dartford, Dixon Studio in Westcliff-on-Sea, The Forum Theatre in Stockport, Royal & Derngate Northampton, The Sands Center in Carlisle, The Core Theatre in Solihull, the Brunton in Musselburgh, YMCA Theatre in Scarborough…

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