North Lanarkshire Council has confirmed Motherwell Civic Theatre and Concert Hall will be demolished following the identification of significant structural issues.
An assessment revealed that 95 per cent of the roof contains Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), placing it at a High to Critical risk level.
The estimated costs to replace and repair this roof section are projected to be between £10.5 million and £11.65 million – a financial burden that the council considers “unsustainable”.
The decision was agreed by members of the policy and strategy committee at a meeting held earlier today.
Council leader Jim Logue explained, “Several of the RAAC panels showed damage, including signs of water ingress that could weaken the roof’s load-bearing capacity.
“The building has been closed since September last year on safety grounds, with most of the programmed shows and performances relocated to Airdrie Town Hall, Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility and other venues.
“We have explored all the options and have concluded that removal of the RAAC and replacing the roof would cost a minimum of between £10.5 and £11.65 million – and likely considerably more.
“I recognise the huge part that the concert hall and theatre have played in the cultural life of Motherwell and North Lanarkshire over many years, and I have attended many wonderful performances in the building.
“However, demolishing the theatre and concert hall is the only economically viable option. This has been an incredibly difficult decision.
“Culture has a huge part to play in people’s lives, which is why we have agreed that options will be considered in the future, including cultural facilities as part of the approved Ravenscraig Hub.
“In the meantime, we will continue to use the excellent facilities at Airdrie Town Hall to programme as many shows as possible, and the hugely popular pantomime will continue to have a home at Ravenscraig.”
Councillor for Motherwell South East & Ravenscraig, Councillor Kenneth Duffy, who is also the provost, expressed sadness over the impending loss of the beloved venue, which has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Motherwell.
He said: “The Civic Theatre and Concert Hall have held countless memories for the people in our community, providing a space for artistic expression and cultural celebration.
“While it is a painful decision, the safety of our residents must come first.”
Looking forward, Councillor Duffy welcomed the proposed investment around the new Ravenscraig Hub facility.
He added: “I am relieved to see that plans are in place to present options to a future committee regarding what cultural offerings could be integrated into this new development.
“It is essential that while we must say goodbye to this cherished venue, we also seek to create new opportunities for culture and the arts in Motherwell.”
Lanarkshire Live reported earlier this year how campaigners gathered in a bid to put pressure on the council to re-open Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre.
Those present at the protest included current and former staff and dance schools from Jazz Art and Michelle Furley Stage and Ballet School.
Performers including panto legend Ian ‘Sheepie’ Smith and Garry King from Wishaw-based Go Kids were also in the crowd alongside Stuart McCue-Dick, the regional councillor from NODA Scotland.
A protest spokesperson said: “We made noise in the streets to demonstrate how important this space is to not only to staff and performers but to the young people in the community that have their own hopes and dreams in a career in the performing arts.
“It would be such a sad day to have nothing in our local community where people can come together and watch a show, carry on traditions by taking children to the Christmas panto and to not allow dance and drama schools have their yearly shows.
“This space is used by hundreds of thousands every year and it is just as important for some people’s mental health and wellbeing as it is to others by carrying out sports and using leisure facilities.
“Many of the local hospitality restaurants bars and taxi companies have been affected by the closure and this is having a noticed impact on the local economy.
“We are looking to the people in charge to please consider how much this venue is needed in the area by repairing the building, restoring perhaps another unused building in the community or to build a new purpose-built venue in the area so that all has not been lost and we can once again have a concert hall and theatre for many to use in the years to come.”
The council will ensure that community voices are heard in the future development of the Ravenscraig Hub, allowing residents to actively participate in shaping the cultural landscape of the area.
Further announcements regarding the timeline for demolition and plans for the Ravenscraig Hub will be “made in due course”.
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