RAAC concerns force Cardiff city centre venue St David’s Hall to close
A popular venue in Wales has been closed with immediate effect due to concerns over potentially unsafe concrete.
St David’s Hall in Cardiff will be closed to the public for at least four weeks as checks are carried out on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels in the building.
It comes after one of two schools identified to have RAAC panels on Anglesey, North Wales, has partially reopened to pupils.
Thousands of pupils in England are already facing disruption at the start of term this week after RAAC was identified at more than 100 schools.
Cardiff Council says it has been aware of the presence of RAAC at St David’s Hall since 2021.
The decision to temporarily shut the venue has been taken after a recent change to advice from the Health and Safety Executive.
Regular inspections by independent structural engineers have been undertaken at the venue over the past 18 months, according to the council.
It added no issues were raised by inspectors about the condition of RAAC in the building and there continues to be no evidence of deterioration.
But based on advice received on Thursday from expert structural engineers and insurers, the council said it will carry out intrusive surveys to reassure the public of the hall’s safety.
The work will involve drilling into panels to find out if further work is needed.
All shows during the next four weeks have been postponed and St David’s Hall has confirmed it will contact those with tickets as soon as rescheduled dates can be confirmed.
In a statement on social media, the hall apologised for any inconvenience and disappointment caused by the sudden closure.
Upcoming events include audiences with Miriam Margolyes and Adrian Edmondson.
If the work is completed on time, performances by stars including Alfie Boe, Beverley Knight and Daniel O’Donnell next month should go ahead.