Work to replace the auditorium roof at Peterborough’s Key Theatre will begin next week, following the discovery of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in 2023.
Lindum has been appointed to carry out the repairs after successfully delivering temporary works that enabled the theatre to reopen safely in November 2023.
Scaffolding will go up on Monday, 19 May, and the construction programme will run through to early October.
The project will see the installation of a modern, permanent roofing system. To allow the works to take place safely, the theatre will be closed for approximately 16 weeks.
The timing of the closure has been agreed with theatre operator Landmark Theatres to minimise disruption and financial impact.
Lindum Director Darren King said: “We are delighted to support the continued operation of this important cultural venue and help ensure its long-term future for the Peterborough community.
“We will begin by first protecting the interior, with polythene and plywood over the stage to safeguard it from damage. We will then erect a scaffold birdcage to allow for safe removal of mechanical and electrical services and preparation for roof repairs.
“Once these services are removed, the scaffolding will be raised to ensure safe access for the removal of RAAC concrete from the roof.
“External scaffolding will also be installed to access the high-level roof. The glass roof lights will be covered and to protect the building from weather during the works, we will install a scaffold tent over the auditorium. Once the RAAC has been removed, we will begin installing the new roof structure.”
“Because Lindum employs many of its own construction staff, we were able to assemble a team quickly by reorganising staffing on other projects,” added Darren.
“Last time our team worked 12-hour shifts alongside subcontract scaffolders and carpenters to get the venue ready for its busiest time of the year.”
The work comes just weeks after Lindum completed a major roofing and renovation project at The Cresset venue in Peterborough. This included a large-scale roof replacement, drainage improvements, and other key building enhancements
