Abingdon Town Council has announced a delay in the reopening of the Abbey Hall following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in its roof structure during a survey.

RAAC, a cheap lightweight concrete material used in construction from the 1950s to the 1990s, has been identified as a significant safety risk due to its tendency to deteriorate over time. The material’s limited lifespan and potential for structural failure have led to widespread closures of schools and public buildings across the UK.

The Abbey Cinema closed on October 2nd for the survey and is likely to face delays as experts are brought in to assess what measures are needed to make it safe.

The Abingdon Town Council News Release at https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/news/latest-update-on-the-abbey-hall says they remain committed to prioritising the safety of the public and Abbey Cinema patrons, and will ensure ‘any closure is for as short a period as is reasonably possible.’

The Abbey Cinema says, ‘we are working daily with the council to ensure that the roof problems are fixed for our reopening on 8th November for Paddington 3.’

The discovery of RAAC (and low grade asbestos) will complicate the planned refurbishment of the Abbey Hall, which was scheduled to begin in September 2025. The Council acquired the Guildhall, including the Abbey Hall, from Vale of White Horse District Council in April 2011. Thanks to TV Barrote for the drone image.