Green Light for Hexagon studio theatre in Reading. 28.03.24

Reading Borough Council has unanimously approved plans for the Hexagon studio theatre in Reading, commenting that the proposals create a “visionary and transformative scheme”.

The Hexagon studio theatre will revitalise the brutalist 1977 theatre with the creation of a flexible new hub for arts, performance and community uses. The extension and refurbishment will create a new 300-seat auditorium, a café, bar, rooftop terrace, and rehearsal and workshop rooms.

A single-storey backstage and performer area will be demolished to allow for the new building to be created, which will include improved dressing rooms, a wardrobe department, and more production and rehearsal spaces. All proposals focus on improved sustainability as part of the Council’s commitment to working towards a net-zero carbon Reading by 2030.

HT will work in partnership with a multi-disciplinary design team, including Charcoalblue as Theatre and Acoustic Consultants, JCLA as Landscape Architects, Momentum as Structural Engineers, Skelly and Couch as Service Engineers and Equals Consulting as Project Managers. The project is due to start on site Summer 2024. Read the full release.

“We are absolutely thrilled that our plans for the Hexagon studio theatre have been approved. Alongside our collaborative design team we are looking forward to working with the council to deliver an ambitious, sustainable and adaptable theatre for the future of Reading.” Lucy Picardo, Director – Haworth Tompkins


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