RAAC Mitigation Scheme Secures Future of Peterborough Theatre

The main auditorium at Peterborough’s Key Theatre has reopened after the installation of a permanent RAAC mitigation scheme to keep building users safe.

Construction company Lindum worked in collaboration with multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, to renew the life-expired roof coverings and upgrade the building’s Mechanical, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (MVAC) to meet current regulations.

RAAC Mitigation Scheme

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was discovered at the theatre in 2023, which led to Lindum delivering a temporary RAAC solution in time to save panto season.

Venue owner Peterborough City Council (PCC) then assigned funding for the new permanent mitigation works and Lindum was appointed following a full tender process.

The scheme was delivered between May 2025 and July 2026 in close collaboration with PCC, operator Landmark Theatres and Pick Everard.

Paul Kelly, Building Surveyor at Pick Everard, said: “The project was originally going to include the full removal of the RAAC panels underneath a temporary roof structure, however, investigations of the existing structure once Lindum commenced works on site identified that it could not support the loads of such a structure and a new scheme was required to be designed.

“The revised scheme involved the construction of a new deck within the roof space of the auditorium, which would fully support the RAAC should it fail in the future. To further protect the retained RAAC, the original dilapidated roof coverings were proposed to be replaced with a new guaranteed single-ply product, which will protect the roof for at least the next 20 years.

“Other works have included the replacement of the outdated MVAC system to the main auditorium to provide heating, cooling and fresh air to meet current standards and enhanced fire safety measures.”

“This latest project has now provided long-term permanent mitigation, ensuring the auditorium can be enjoyed safely for many years to come.

“It is fantastic to see the auditorium reopen and welcome audiences back.”

The latest works at Key Theatre came after Lindum completed a major roofing and renovation project at The Cresset venue in Peterborough, including a large-scale roof replacement, drainage improvements and other key building enhancements.

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