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Search the Public Notice PortalA LONG-term solution to the concrete crisis that forced the closure of a theatre studio has been approved by councillors.
Southend Council has granted permission for major repair works at the Dixon Studio, a 100-seat venue within the Palace Theatre which was temporarily closed in 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in its structure.
RAAC, a lightweight form of concrete widely used in buildings between the 1950s and 1990s, has been linked to structural safety concerns and has prompted closures and emergency works at schools, hospitals and public buildings across the country.
The approval paves the way for a permanent repair programme after temporary measures were introduced three years ago to allow the Dixon Studio to reopen and continue hosting performances.
Southend councillors welcomed the decision, describing the venue as an important part of the city’s cultural offer and praising efforts to secure its long-term future.
Matt Dent, Southend Council’s cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said: “I am really pleased permission has been granted for the roof repairs and other works at the Dixon Studio.
“The studio is a fantastic resource for the city’s cultural scene and these works will allow the issues it has faced with RAAC to finally be resolved so it can continue to serve the community for many years to come.
“Anyone who has visited the studio knows what a valuable asset it is to our proud theatrical tradition in Southend and I welcome the efforts of everyone involved in preserving it.”
The works, which are expected to begin later this summer, will involve roof repairs and other remedial improvements designed to provide a permanent solution to the RAAC issue.
As part of the programme, the Dixon Studio is scheduled to close during late summer and early autumn.
However, theatre bosses have stressed there will be no impact on performances at the neighbouring Palace Theatre, which will remain open throughout the work.
A spokesperson for Southend Theatres previously said: “The emergency works were a temporary fix to enable the Dixon Studio to remain open, but it was always known that further work was required and the theatre planned accordingly.
“The Dixon Studio is scheduled to be closed during late summer and early autumn 2026.
“The Palace Theatre will remain open for shows and customers will not be affected.”
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