Greens react to Harlequin decision

Green councillors have strongly stated their disappointment that no additional money will be allocated to pay for ongoing improvements to the Harlequin theatre in Redhill.

They welcomed the commitment at last night’s (Tuesday July 22) meeting of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to reopen the Harlequin by Christmas 2026, spending up to £4.5million to remove and replace the RAAC-ridden roof.

However, a Green amendment asking for an additional £3million to pay for maintenance and improvements – such as refurbishing the stage and improving energy efficiency to reduce energy bills – was rejected.

Cllr Jonathan Essex (Redhill East), who proposed the amendment, said

"the additional money would allow the flexibility to carry out improvements and repairs as needed, rather than having to go back to council to ask for more money later on."

“Now that we’re committed to removing the roof it makes sense to do other work that would add value to the Harlequin in the long term,” Cllr Essex said. “If we don’t commit this extra money now we risk delaying progress on the work.”

Cllr Essex disputed claims by Conservative councillors that this would add to the time taken to reopen the theatre.

“That’s a misrepresentation; I just want us to ensure we don’t do only the RAAC-related repairs but also have enough money for other elements of restoring the building for public use.”

Green Cllr Victoria Chester (Horley East & Salfords) also spoke at the meeting.

“We’re just trying to get more bang for our buck, using time and money in the most efficient manner by doing other work at the same time. It’s just common sense,” she said.

“There’s no point making the building secure if we don’t have a proper stage and technical equipment to make the Harlequin fully operational. We shouldn’t shoot ourselves in the foot by turning down the amendment when we have the chance to do more with the money we have.”