Temporary repair works start at Regent Centre

Following the findings of a recent survey, structural repair work on the Regent Centre’s balcony will take place between Monday 21 August – Friday 8 September.

The works include adding steel-reinforced concrete to the base of one of the main columns that supports the balcony, to strengthen it. Then a supporting prop will be installed to take some of the load of the circle. When complete, this will allow the circle seating in the auditorium to reopen.

Lindsay Cass, head of property and engineering, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils said, “We are pleased that the Structural Engineer has designed a short-term repair that will allow the circle seating can be reopened to patrons of the Regent Centre. We continue to work closely with the Regent Centre to ensure repairs are co-ordinated to minimise disruption.”

It is hoped that by carrying out the works during this three-week window, the impact on the centre’s timetable will be minimal.

Felicity Porter, general manager at the Regent Centre added, “We are really pleased that some of the structural repair work can be carried out in the auditorium to allow the circle seating to reopen. We would like to thank patrons for their understanding and patience whilst the circle seating has been closed.”

The permanent repair works are being developed with the Structural Engineer and are likely to require the replacement of corroded beams and re-plating of corroded columns in the south east side of the building. It is anticipated those works will be carried out in Summer 2018. Temporary scaffolding will be erected this autumn to provide support to the south east wall of the auditorium until the permanent repairs are carried out next year.