Motherwell Concert Hall to be demolished after crumbling concrete found in 95% of roof area

A concert hall and theatre in North Lanarkshire is to be demolished after potentially dangerous crumble-prone concrete was discovered in 95% of its roof area.

All performances at Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre were cancelled in September 2023 and the building closed after the discovery of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete).

The multi-purpose entertainment venue first opened its door in 1970 and underwent a £6m refurbishment project in 2010 which saw the entire building transformed.

RAAC was commonly used during the construction of public sector buildings from the 1950s until the 1990s.

North Lanarkshire Council has deemed the demolition of the Motherwell’s cultural hub, to be the only “economically viable option”.

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of the council, explained: “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 £10.5m and £11.65m and likely considerably more.

“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.”