We are 95% on the way!  

The roof (area 1250m2) which covers 80% of the building was made of low grade asbestos. It had deteriorated over many years and from storm damage resulting in extensive water ingress which had caused substantial internal damage to main auditorium space. The work was expanded to include new house and stage lights, security systems upgrade and wall repairs and redecoration. But a new challenge has surfaced. Major trusses holding up the roof structure were on inspection found to be badly corroded and must be changed immediately.

All initial programme completed

By the end of October, the following refurbishment works had been completed: · Replacement of old asbestos roof with new composite roofing sheets· Upgrading of internal & external security systems (CCTV and alarm) completed· Replacement of soiled suspended ceiling, with new ceiling· Replacement of both auditorium house and stage lights with new up to date LED equivalents· Redecoration of the auditorium and associated rooms .

Major New Challenge 

Towards the end of the roof replacement works, sufficient brick sections were exposed to enable structural engineers to fully assess the level of corrosion which has been shown to be more extensive than was feared. It has taken several weeks for the scope of work for the trusses replacement to be defined by the technical team. Unfortunately replacing the roof first has made the replacement work needed for the 8 pairs of trusses to be extremely challenging carrying higher levels of risk. Starting on the 17th December, the work is expected to be concluded by end of February at an estimated additional cost of £76,500. As we already built a contingency of £20,000 into our original budget it means we have to find £56,500before we can fully move back into our building. We still need the support of our friends and partners