Scaffolding outside Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into structural problems at Shrewsbury’s £28 million Theatre Severn, it was revealed today.

Scaffolding was put up outside part of the Frankwell venue last night to allow an inspection to take place into a “small area” of stonework on the riverside frontage. The theatre was officially opened in March 2009 following a major development involving builders Willmott Dixon and architects Austin Smith Lord.

Steve Law, Shropshire Council’s building services manager, said the cost of the scaffolding and any subsequent repair work, if necessary, would be met by the contractor.

He said: “Work has started to investigate minor movement in a small area of the stonework facade at the theatre.

“This investigatory work is being undertaken by the contractor who originally built the theatre, at no cost to Shropshire Council. Should the need for additional remedial works be identified then again this would be carried out at no cost to Shropshire Council.

“Scaffolding has now been erected to part of the riverside elevation to allow access for inspection. The work should not cause any inconvenience to the public or effect the day-to-day operation of the theatre in any way.”

Officials say a “very small” number of bricks have started to protrude from the stonework. No bricks have fallen and there is no risk of them doing so. The investigation will determine the cause of this movement.

Nobody was available for comment from Willmott Dixon or Austin Smith Lord today.

Officials at the council received criticism in May after it was revealed taxpayers had forked out nearly £1 million to subsidise the venue since it opened. But culture chiefs at the council defended the spend and said an independent report had shown the theatre contributed an extra £5 million to the local economy in its first 18 months.

By Russell Roberts