Studio Theatre Design Update

Located on the lower level, shared by both venues:

• Improved “get-in” and loading facilities
• Catering and wardrobe areas
• Modern toilets and welfare facilities
• Flexible studio spaces for rehearsals, meetings and workshops
• Convertible spaces for large-cast productions, including schools shows and pantomime

Set across two levels:

• Stalls and gallery seating
• Intimate design with excellent sightlines from every seat
• Fully accessible circulation, lifts and toilets on both levels
• Direct internal link to the main Hexagon theatre, allowing both venues to run together or independently

A striking new bridge from Queen’s Walk creates step-free access to:

• A dedicated studio entrance
• A light-filled foyer and bar
• A new public space that activates the surrounding area

Key architectural features include:

• A dramatic hexagonal “chimney”, central to the natural ventilation strategy
• Landscape design with green roof and prairie planting to boost biodiversity
• Improved access for delivery vehicles, reducing heavy traffic in surrounding streets

The project replaces the building’s ageing gas boilers with a low-carbon heating system:

• An open loop ground source heat pump will draw warm water from the chalk aquifer beneath the building
• Heat will be extracted and the water safely reinjected
• Supported by the Levelling Up Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

Additional sustainability measures include:

• Natural ventilation
• Green roofs
• Low-impact construction materials

The design is targeting BREEAM Excellent, a leading global sustainability standard.

The new architecture carefully balances old and new:

• Lower brickwork matches the original 1970s Hexagon
• Bridge structure echoes the building’s distinctive “V” roof forms
• Red detailing connects the new elements to the original interiors
• Contemporary zinc cladding on the upper levels complements – rather than copies – the existing building

The planting on the bridge creates an open, welcoming approach that gives the Studio its own identity within the Hexagon campus.

This area is designed to work hard all day and evening.

When performances are on:

• Bright, welcoming atmosphere with natural light
• Polished concrete floors (durable and a nod to the original brutalist design)
• Acoustic treatments for comfort
• A high-quality bar featuring local independent products

During the day:

• Converts into rehearsal, workshop or meeting space
• Available for community hire
• Curtains and a small lighting rig allow flexible layouts

The new studio sits on the footprint of former backstage and service areas, replacing them with purpose-built, modern facilities.
The Studio Auditorium will offer:
Up to 200 seats or 300 standing

• Rapid changeovers between:
  • End-on seating
  • Standing gigs with raised stage and pit
  • Thrust staging
  • Theatre-in-the-round

• Gallery seating retained even in standing formats
• Accessible seating options on both levels
• High-spec technical and production facilities
• Carefully engineered acoustics, including acoustic gallery fronts and treated wall surfaces

Audience access is at the rear on both levels, allowing late entry or early exit with minimal disruption – especially important for relaxed performances. Backstage includes two large, high-quality dressing rooms with direct stage access.

Project Timeline

• Demolition completed: Aug 2025
• Steel frame installation: Nov 25
• Main construction phase: From November 2025
• Decarbonisation works complete: Autumn 2026
• Studio Theatre opening: Spring 2027