Reading: Hexagon Theatre upgrade designs revealed

New rehearsal space will be added to the theatre complex

Artwork has been released showing plans for the multi-million-pound upgrade of a regional theatre.

The Hexagon Theatre in Reading is set to be revitalised following a £13.7m Reading Borough Council investment.

In addition to rehearsal space, a new 300-capacity studio auditorium will be created, along with an entrance to provide greater accessibility.

Concept sketches show people practising in the rehearsal space, and enjoying food and drinks at a cafe.

The £13.7m upgrade includes a new extension and entrance

Built in 1977, the Hexagon - Reading's largest arts venue and famous for hosting snooker tournaments - has struggled to be sufficiently modernised because of its age and condition.

The project can go ahead after the council won £19.1 million worth of government Levelling Up funding to upgrade The Hexagon and bring the Central Library into the council's civic offices in Bridge Street.

The The Hexagon revamp will cost £13.7 million with the council match-funding the upgrade with money taken from its capital budget.

The multi-purpose arts venue opened in 1977

The existing auditorium in the main Hexagon building will also be upgraded with lighting, sound, and new electrics.

A planning application is set to be submitted by the council early next year. If the project is approved, work could begin as early as August 2024.

The Hexagon will remain open, with its regular schedule of theatre, comedy, music and ballet performances continuing during the transformation.

The site falls into the wider transformation of the area known as the Minster Quarter in which the council plans to build 618 homes.

It covers the Broad Street Mall and the public space between the mall, Reading Magistrates Court and the Thames Valley Police headquarters in Castle Street.

New cafe facilities will be included in the new design