Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre in the Lanarkshire town’s centre has been shut since September last year when it was discovered the Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete was in 95% of the roof space.
After it was estimated to cost more than £10m to replace and repair the building, it has been decided to demolish it after more than 50 years.
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Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said, “Several of the RAAC panels showed damage, including signs of water ingress that could weaken the roof’s load-bearing capacity.
“The building has been closed since September last year on safety grounds, with most of the programmed shows and performances relocated to Airdrie Town Hall, Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility and other venues.
“We have explored all the options and have concluded that removal of the RAAC and replacing the roof would cost a minimum of between £10.5 and £11.65 million and likely considerably more.”
The concert hall complex, opened in 1973, is one of the largest in the area with a capacity of 1800, and has played host to many big names over the decades.
The smaller theatre venue held just under 400.
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Events have been moved to other venues in the area and the council will look at the possibility of a new venue, possibly part of the huge Ravenscraig regeneration project.
Logue added: “I recognise the huge part that the concert hall and theatre have played in the cultural life of Motherwell and North Lanarkshire over many years, and I have attended many wonderful performances in the building.
“However, demolishing the theatre and concert hall is the only economically viable option. This has been an incredibly difficult decision.
“Culture has a huge part to play in people’s lives, which is why we have agreed that options will be considered in the future, including cultural facilities as part of the approved Ravenscraig Hub.
“In the meantime, we will continue to use the excellent facilities at Airdrie Town Hall to programme as many shows as possible, and the hugely popular pantomime will continue to have a home at Ravenscraig.”
