Crumbling concrete: Scarborough's YMCA closes part of building after concerns of RAAC

The YMCA closed part of their building after they saw a crack in part of the concrete, and due to the age of the building, decided to close part of the building whilst they wait for a professional survey.

The theatre is now back open.

Liam Downey, General Manager at YMCA, said: “We identified a part of our building that could contain RAAC concrete based on BBC News reports regarding the current building issues in schools.

"This combined with the 1960s build date and the fact we are an old school raised alarm in our team. On closer inspection we noticed a crack in part of the concrete.

“We made the immediate decision to close the majority of the premises until a review by a professional can be made.”

The YMCA has now reopened after a professional survey found that the concrete was not RAAC.

Mr Downey said: “This morning we had a professional structural engineer arrive and asses the concrete in question. Although it is prefab panels they are not made out of RAAC concrete.

“The engineer did identify a small risk due to water ingress which needs to be assessed by a concrete specialist. In response to this risk we have for the time being rearranged some activities to reduce the stress on the floor.

“We are therefore back open as normal, however due to the late notice change please check with your dance school/company to see if they are back or not. In addition, your dance school, activity or company might not be in the same room as normal.”

In addition to this, Scalby School has been asked to close the buildings affected, meaning it now won’t open for the 2023/24 school year until Monday, September 11.

The school is required to make suitable arrangements to continue the education of their 1000 pupils until safety work can be carried out.

You can read more about the Scalby School closure here.