Bromley Council is set to approve a £427K repair job because of “defective” tiles on Churchill Theatre.
In a report going to councillors on Wednesday (July 11), cabinet members will be asked to give the OK to spend cash on a temporary fix for falling tiles.
The report read: “Churchill Theatre and Central Library are located in Bromley Town Centre. The building is tiled with green slate tiles at the lower level and small white mosaic tiles on the remainder of the building.
“Soon after construction the green slate tiles started to fall off and each tile was individually screwed onto the building, which was an effective method of holding them in place until recently.”
Following an expert inspection, it was reported that the tiles’ adhesion had been lost due to “general weathering”.
The report explains: “The engineers recommended replacement of the tiles, but were of the opinion that the green slate tiles were more of a risk than the mosaics.”
A project began to replace the green tiles, but then even more started to fall – meaning the whole scheme had to be reviewed.
Scaffold and hoarding has been put up to protect the public, costing the council £2,860 a month to hire.
While a permanent solution is sought – including the possibility of a £6.5m replacement of tiles and windows – a £427K temporary fix is set to be given the go ahead.
This would include removal of the green tiles, a structural survey, and removal and re-fixing signs.
The report said: “There are a number of benefits to the temporary works. They would provide better protection for the public and eliminate the need for scaffolding and hoarding in the short term, thereby improving the appearance of the High Street.”
Councillor Peter Morgan, executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing said: “Residents and town centre visitors will be aware of scaffolding which was erected to protect pedestrians because some of the tiles were falling off the building.
“What is intended now is that the green tiles are removed on a temporary basis, with an anti-carbonation coating of the some colour being applied. We will then be able to remove the scaffolding and engineers will be able to investigate and make longer term recommendations as to what is needed.”
Councillors are set to approve the plan on Wednesday night.
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