SOLIHULL Council has announced that The Core Theatre auditorium will need to remain closed until at least autumn 2024.
The council have secured Artrix in Bromsgrove until the end of March 2024, to ensure the scheduled shows can go ahead, including the popular annual pantomime.
Coun Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, said: “We know that the temporary loss of the auditorium will be felt deeply by the theatre community and our audiences alike.
“We recognise the hard work, love and dedication that goes into theatre and musical productions.
“The use of Artrix has been welcomed by local theatre groups and performers who are being accommodated over the coming months.
“Because of the closure of the auditorium, we are busy developing an alternative programme of cultural activity in Solihull for next year, using both the remainder of The Core building and other spaces in the borough.
“We are determined to offer a range of cultural events in Solihull, for our valued Solihull audience in 2024.
“The Core Theatre website will be kept up to date with all the latest news on this programme.”
The survey and investigation work currently being undertaken on the auditorium roof is expected to be completed early next year.
Once this has finished, a decision can be taken about what work will need to be carried out on the roof and a plan with firm timescales established.
The use of Artrix as an alternative venue was always recognised as a short-term solution, running until the end of March 2024.
Any shows currently scheduled to take place in the auditorium from April until the autumn will now be cancelled and ticketholders refunded.
If any of the events can be transferred into the smaller Studio space at The Core this will be explored.
The rest of The Core building will remain open as usual and a programme of shows, events and activities will continue to be hosted in the Studio theatre, Courtyard Gallery, Encore Café Bar, Core Creatives, Solihull Connect and The Core Library.
