A PREVIOUSLY-popular theatre auditorium is shutting its doors due to safety fears.

The auditorium in Harlech’s Theatr Ardudwy (pictured) is to close as the venue’s landlord Adult Learning Wales and the theatre board, take “decisive steps” as a result of health and safety concerns.

Theatr Ardudwy’s board chairman Ben Ridler said: “The board have made every effort to maintain arts and entertainment provision at Theatr Ardudwy, however in light of deteriorating conditions in the facilities and the building - and the health and safety issues that present as a result - we have now agreed with our landlord Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales to close the auditorium for the foreseeable future.

“Safety has always been paramount, and all concerned recognize that this is a significant but very necessary step.”

When redundancies were announced at the theatre last September, Mr Ridler stated the theatre “will definitely not be closing”.

However, uncertainties over the long-term viability of the venue mean that the required safety measures cannot be implemented, according to site land lords.

Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales’ chief executive Kathryn Robson said: “Serious issues presenting in the fabric of the building, particularly those affecting the roof of the auditorium, have resulted in this step being taken.

“We are working with Theatr Ardudwy to determine the future use of the auditorium, but the extensive repairs that are needed involve costs that neither we nor Theatr Ardudwy are currently in a position to meet.”

Theatr Ardudwy, which was only refurbished in 2016, shut down five months after its reopening due to fears over the building’s structural condition.

Dialogue continues with Welsh Government where this seeks to address urgent repairs needed to fulfil the planned maintenance programme for the main Coleg Harlech building Wern Fawr.

In addition, discussions are ongoing with Gwynedd Council, CADW and Visit Wales to explore funding routes for Wern Fawr and the development of the former Amenity Block following planning consent for a 9-bedroomed hotel.

Mrs Robson added: “We remain committed to supporting any initiatives that will deliver an accommodation solution for Harlech and are keen to secure the investment needed to deliver this outcome.”

“We are undertaking a full options appraisal for the Coleg Harlech site and will be presenting recommendations to our board next month.

“Last year, we agreed to run our adult learning courses in the Theatre Building on a temporary basis, while actively looking for a new venue, and on this aspect we will be entering into detailed discussions with staff and learners in the coming weeks.”

The auditorium at the theatre site closes with immediate effect.