Hexagon Studio
Revitalising the Hexagon, Central Library and Civic Customer Service
Plans are progressing on exciting proposals to revitalise the town’s cultural offer.
The plans include transforming and adding to the much-loved Hexagon Theatre and creating a new modern Central Library at the Civic Offices.
Our ambition is to do everything we can to ensure all our residents, whatever their circumstances or background, can share in the town’s success.
In January 2023, we received the fantastic news the council had been successful in a bid for ‘Levelling Up’ funding and awarded £19.1 million to revitalise Reading’s cultural offer.
Hexagon Studio Images
What this means for The Hexagon:
Revised Plans Submitted for Hexagon Studio Theatre – A new vision
Revised proposals have been submitted for Reading’s new Studio Theatre at the Hexagon.
The Council has had to redesign the additional auditorium and community space since approval was given by the planning committee in January. It became apparent it was not possible to go ahead with the original plans due to significantly increased costs associated with materials and inflation.
Despite the financial challenges, the heart of the project remains unchanged.
The plans continue to have a cutting-edge and intimate 200-seat theatre with gallery seating, which remains perfect for comedy gigs and bands. The new Studio Theatre will feature a versatile audience configuration with the ability to create a standing-only space for concerts. The gallery will offer the best seats in the house giving audience members a prime view of the stage.
The revised design by Haworth Tompkins maintains an accessible entrance via Queen’s Walk into the brand-new building next to the Hexagon. There will be a spacious foyer with a bar and an outside area for visitors to enjoy warmer weather.
Designed to be flexible, the foyer will transform into a rehearsal and community space when performances are not scheduled, offering an alternative space in the local arts scene. The new Studio Theatre will be accessible via a lift or stairs ensuring everyone feels welcome.
The revised proposal still includes improved backstage facilities for performers and crews and an upgraded technical area and entrance which will attract quality productions of all sizes.
The revised plans have been submitted and the Planning Applications Committee will decide on them in January. If approved, work will begin next summer and the new auditorium will open to the public in 2027
View the planning application here
Find out more about the plans for the Library and Civic Offices
