Key Theatre RAAC roof works to start soon as planning permission granted

A major set of works at a Peterborough theatre will soon get underway after planning permission was approved.

The Key Theatre in Peterborough will close for a number of months in order to replace the roof on the main auditorium.

This comes after RAAC was identified in the building’s roof in October 2023.

A temporary roof costing £196,000 was installed to allow the theatre to reopen in December last year, but it will now be replaced with a permanent modern roofing system.

Work will begin later this spring and will be completed by early winter 2025.

Due to the lease agreement signed with the operator Landmark Theatres, Peterborough City Council is responsible for the work to the building.

The authority could not share details on the cost due to commercial sensitivity. However, it has been previously reported that the work could cost around £2 million.

Adrian Chapman, executive director for place and economy at Peterborough City Council, said: “We are fully aware that the Key Theatre is a popular and much-loved venue and that’s why we have actively worked to find a permanent solution for the building’s roof.

“This will mean that the theatre will have to close whilst the new roof is installed, but once completed, it will ensure that the venue can continue to provide a vibrant cultural offering for Peterborough residents.”

Key Theatre has been a cornerstone of Peterborough’s cultural scene since its opening in 1973.

Over the decades, it has undergone various refurbishments to maintain its relevance and functionality.

Notably, a major renovation in 2005 upgraded its facilities, including the auditorium, backstage areas, and front-of-house spaces.