Theatre Royal Given All-Clear Following Asbestos TestingFurther testing carried out at the Theatre Royal Timaru, following a positive asbestos test result on Wednesday 16 July, has confirmed that there has been no release of any encapsulated asbestos and that there is no respirable risk. The initial positive asbestos test result prompted the precautionary closure of the auditorium, while comprehensive air testing and materials sampling were completed. Paul Haggath, Project Director leading the Theatre and Museum project, praised the site team for their response to the initial result. “Hawkins did exactly the right thing in closing the auditorium as a precautionary measure, when a positive asbestos test result was returned. The Theatre Royal project team will continue to monitor conditions and maintain all required health and safety protocols throughout the remainder of the project, with appropriate measures in place to ensure all asbestos remains inert.