Latest news with #ReigateBansteadBoroughCouncil
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Charity praises plans to repair and reopen Redhill theatre
The UK's national advisory body for theatres has welcomed a council's commitment to repair and reopen a Surrey venue which was shut after unstable concrete was Harlequin Theatre in Redhill closed its doors in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found throughout the and Banstead Borough Council has said it expects the theatre to reopen in late spring 2027 if everything goes to Trust, a charitable organisation, described the arts centre as an "invaluable cultural space". The Surrey venue was at one stage listed among the most likely theatres in the country to close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Earlier in June, the council's executive committee agreed a way forward that would involve a £4.5m repair job. Joshua McTaggart, Theatres Trust CEO, said: "We welcome the council's commitment to safely reopening the Harlequin Theatre and cinema while minimising the time the local community is left without this invaluable cultural space."We are also pleased to see progress being made on plans to create an additional art and culture venue in the area, which can only add to the vibrancy and appeal of the town."The agreed work will allow the theatre and cinema to open at its previous capacity, pending final full council sign off in plans, which would have run alongside repair work, have been put on hold, as the council considers handing over control to a private group.
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Crawley and Reigate council will not merge, says government
There will be no merger between a council in Sussex and another in Surrey, the government has Borough Council and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council submitted a joint proposal to be brought together, saying the partnership would "maximise economic growth".But they have been told by Jim McMahon, minister of state for local government and English devolution, that they do not meet the specified criteria, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has reported.A spokesperson for Crawley Borough Council said the authority was disappointed and "perplexed" by this decision. "This decision is not based upon the merits of the proposal, instead, the decision would largely seem to be based upon a reading of the legislation, which we do not share," the spokesperson said."Whilst criteria are also mentioned, our ability to meet these were at least in part due to the design of the Local Government Reorganisation process, and this does not seem to have been fully taken into account."This decision denies this town and this council the opportunity to consider this proposal alongside those emerging from West Sussex and to then take a view on what we believe is in the best interests of the town."Richard Biggs, leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, also said he was disappointed but thankful to have shown the government the "important contribution that our combined area makes to the national economy, as well as its economic growth potential"."While we accept the government's decision, we will continue to advocate for joined up economic and infrastructure planning and investment across both authorities," he added.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Crawley and Reigate & Banstead: Should two councils become one?
Should two become one? Councils consider combining 6 minutes ago Share Save Jack Fiehn BBC Surrey, political reporter Share Save Getty Images Crawley Borough Council and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council say there are economic benefits to forming a unitary authority. Two councils in south-east England are considering asking the government to allow them to combine. Crawley Borough Council (CBC) and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council (RBBC) have put together a proposal about forming a new unitary authority. The councils say their aim is to get the economic benefits of being part of an economic area close to Gatwick airport. Government ministers have said they want a major redesign of local government, with the two-tier council system being scrapped and areas having elected mayors. RBBC approved the plan on Tuesday. CBC is meeting on Wednesday. But why are the two boroughs considering this idea? Reigate & Banstead is also supporting a proposal to have three unitary authorities across Surrey. You could say that officials at Reigate and Banstead are trying to ride two horses at the same time. On one hand, they are backing the plan – now supported by nine of the borough and district councils – to split Surrey into three unitary authorities. On the other, they are looking at working with Crawley. Arguments in favour include growing the economy of the two boroughs, the potential to develop road and rail transport links, such as the M25 and the North Downs line, and having a stronger voice on the future of Gatwick. A report also says the proposal would help with building new homes in places like Redhill Aerodrome and land near Salfords, although some councillors have raised concerns about losing green spaces. The government has asked for more details about the plan, including some of the financial aspects, such as dealing with the debts of councils in Surrey, and also the provision of services Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
