THE main cinema at Bradford's National Science and Media Museum will remain closed for at least another six months due to concerns over RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), it has been confirmed.

In October, the museum revealed Pictureville would close as a precautionary measure after the discovery of RAAC the previous month.

Now, bosses have confirmed the historic cinema is to stay shut for at least six more months so further investigations can be carried out, with both remedial and permanent fixes being looked at.

The museum's other two cinemas were already closed for redevelopment.

When did Pictureville in Bradford close?

A spokesperson for the National Science and Media Museum told the Telegraph & Argus: "The National Science and Media Museum's main cinema auditorium - Pictureville - will remain closed for an extended period of at least six months.

"The venue closed on the evening of October 20 as a precautionary measure, to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. 

"The Science Museum Group had been conducting investigations into the presence of RAAC in the building and identified the presence of the material in September. 

"A proportionate and proactive approach led to more detailed assessments over subsequent weeks, culminating in the structural survey which recommended closure. 

"Since October 20, scoping work on remedial options has been ongoing. 

"Both remedial and permanent fixes are being investigated. 

"The museum's other cinema spaces - the IMAX and Cubby Broccoli screens - will both reopen in line with the museum's redevelopment.

"The cinema team is in the meantime working with partners to explore off site programming options." 

The spokesperson confirmed RAAC was only found in Pictureville and not in any other parts of the National Science and Media Museum building.

What is RAAC?

RAAC is a type of construction material widely used in buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s.

In recent years, there have been growing concerns that the material is now beyond its limit and could collapse.

Earlier this year, a council meeting heard around 370 public buildings in Bradford were built in the period when RAAC was used.

What is the Pictureville cinema? 

Pictureville is home to the only public Cinerama screen in the world.

Cinerama is presented on a deeply curved screen with a very wide field of vision - comparable to sitting inside a giant VR headset.

Hailed as being better than IMAX by some cinephiles, Cinerama films entail three rolls of film being passed through three cameras simultaneously to photograph a wide scene.