Decisions made to protect public safety: South Woodford Library and Kenneth More Theatre

Following structural inspections, our engineers discovered RAAC concrete in South Woodford Library and the Kenneth More Theatre.

RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was a lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s. When it degrades, it must be replaced.

We therefore have no choice but to close both buildings and find alternative spaces for the events and activities wherever possible.

Sadly, some shows will need to be cancelled where there is no other option. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause.

Thank you for understanding that we had to and always will put the safety of the public first.

Details on both venues are below.

Kenneth More Theatre:

Following a detailed appraisal of the condition of the RAAC concrete, we have had no choice but to close the theatre to protect the public's safety.

Engineers have conducted a detailed structural survey to assess the building and the level of work required before it can safely reopen.

They have outlined significant work that needs to be carried out to remove the RAAC concrete from the building, which means that, sadly, the theatre will need to be closed for the coming months. We have, therefore, had to relocate or cancel the immediate shows and events planned in this venue.

We share your disappointment that shows throughout the Autumn and Winter and into next year will not be able to go ahead in the Kenneth More Theatre. This includes our beloved annual pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which we have had no choice but to cancel.

We understand how disappointing this is, as many people look forward to this as a traditional celebration with family and friends. We have not taken this decision lightly. Ticket holders will be updated, and refunds for cancelled shows will be processed automatically. Please do not contact this Box Office at this time, as they are working to process these transactions.

However, we have been doing all we can to keep the tradition alive for visitors and are committing to staging a Christmas show at the Redbridge Drama Centre. Although the venue accommodates far smaller-scale productions than the one originally scheduled for the theatre, it will still be full of fun, song, and Christmas spirit.

We are contacting the theatrical groups and organisations that have booked the Kenneth More Theatre and will offer alternative spaces where possible, but sadly, we do not have a like-for-like venue in the borough.

We know this thriving theatre is as important to many local people as it is to us, and we apologise to the theatrical groups and audience members for the disappointment this will cause them.

We will work relentlessly to ensure that our theatre comes back shining brighter. We assure you that the work undertaken will ensure that we have a theatre in Redbridge for many years to come. Thank you for understanding that we must and always will put the safety of staff, performers, and audience members first.

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South Woodford Library and Gym - an alternative library and gym is opening

Following a detailed structural inspection, our engineers discovered RAAC concrete in South Woodford Library. There was no immediate danger to the structure of the building, but we need to replace this concrete to keep the building safe.

Unfortunately, the building will need to be closed for an estimated 12 months as the work required in this building is extensive. We cannot and will never compromise on the safety of local people, which is rightly our priority.

We have worked hard behind the scenes to find alternatives for those who use the library and gym. We will open a pop-up library, cafe, fitness studio, and study area in Redbridge Drama Centre, a few minutes walk from South Woodford Library. A number of rooms within the drama centre will be converted into a multi-purpose gym, and the equipment will be moved here for people to use.

This work will be carried out as soon as possible by our partner, Vision, in phases.

Classes remain available for booking via the Vision app. All activities at the Drama Centre will continue as usual and are not affected.

Existing Vision members also have the option to freeze or cancel their membership or use other Vision facilities which are free, including:

• Wanstead Leisure Centre
• Woodford Green Library & Gym (please note this is our smallest gym; due to the extra demand, there may be waiting times for equipment)
• Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre
• Mayfield Leisure Centre
• Loxford Leisure Centre

You can return books to the library via the drop box at Redbridge Drama Centre or at nearby libraries in Wanstead and Woodford Green, where you can return books or collect reservations. You can reserve and renew your books online via our virtual library.

We are doing all we can to provide alternative services while we carry out these essential works.

However, we understand the closure is frustrating, and we apologise for the inconvenience it will cause. The safety of local people will always be our top priority. Thank you for your continued understanding.