Council pledges £300,000 to reopen Stockport’s Forum Theatre

Funding has been set aside by Stockport Council to cover repairs at the Forum Theatre in Romiley, Stockport, which has been closed since September due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

The Manchester Evening News reports that the Liberal Democrat-led council will provide £300,000 for the works so the theatre can reopen.

Frankie Singleton, Stockport Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said that a long-term arrangement with central government to deal with such issues is required. 

“The government have to work with local councils to find a sustainable solution to fund repairs, and any costs incurred whilst repairs continue, similar to the approach that has been taken with schools and colleges,” she said.

“We believe that this issue has become urgent in local communities across the country. Therefore, we urge the government to provide funding for repairs in local cultural venues in line with the approach taken for other buildings.”