Concrete crisis: Motherwell Concert Hall in Lanarkshire latest to close

Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre in Scotland is the latest to close amid the discovery of potentially dangerous concrete in a number of venues across the UK.

The company has announced that it will close with immediate effect after an initial survey found reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the roof.

This brings the list of closures up to 10, with the Brunton in Musselburgh, the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, the Royal and Derngate in Northampton, Core Theatre in Solihull, the events space in Carlisle’s Sands Centre, Preston Guildhall, St David’s Hall in Cardiff, and Dixon Studio at Palace Theatre in Westcliff-on-Sea all closing their doors.

RAAC is a material used to make prefabricated structural planks, which has been used in a number of places of entertainment and education.

Official guidance has been issued to venues about the concrete, which is cheap to build with and lightweight, containing air bubbles rather than gravel.

Grease the Musical has been cancelled due to the closure.

Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre said: “A full intrusive survey is required. While this is carried out, the venue will remain closed.

“Ticket holders will be contacted for performances affected.”