Reading jail considered as site for new theatre

HMP Reading was closed in November by the Ministry of Justice

Plans for a new theatre in Reading have been unveiled, with the former Reading Prison considered as a possible site.

Melvin Benn, who runs the Reading Festival and is also chairman of Theatre And Arts Reading, unveiled a "vision" for a 400-seat venue.

He said a new arts venue would help the town "obtain national recognition as an outstanding cultural hub".

Reading Prison, where playwright Oscar Wilde was jailed, closed in November but the site is not yet up for sale.

The Ministry of Justice owns the Grade II-listed building.

The new theatre would complement the 1600-capacity The Hexagon theatre and 220-capacity South Street arts centre in Reading.