Work has started on site for the new Studio Theatre at the Hexagon, Reading 16.07.25

Earlier this week, HT’s Lucy Picardo, Jason McKay and Rose Burgoyne attended a ceremony to mark the beginning of works on site.

The project revitalises 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 200-seat auditorium, a café, bar, rooftop terrace, and rehearsal and workshop rooms. The new Studio Theatre will be accessible via a lift or stairs ensuring everyone feels welcome and is due to open to the public in Spring 2027.

“We have enjoyed working with The Hexagon and Reading Borough Council who have been visionary in their brief for a new adaptive auditorium studio space with ambitious sustainability credentials. Having developed the design over the last two years we look forward to the building coming to fruition in 2027 for the Hexagon’s 50th anniversary year.” Lucy Picardo, Director at Haworth Tompkins

More News

Haworth Tompkins named Public Building Architect of the Year at the 2026 Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2026. 

Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of York Central, delivering 1014 homes, commercial space, extensive public realm and parkland, as well as a brand-new entrance to the west of York railway station.

Five Haworth Tompkins projects have secured six shortlist places across the 2026 AJ Architecture Awards and NLA Awards. The recognition reflects the breadth of our expertise across culture, housing, regeneration and masterplanning - from the sensitive transformation of listed cultural buildings to major residential developments and urban masterplans.

Planning permission has been secured for the first phase of the transformation of St Botolph's Quarter in central Colchester, marking an important milestone in the city's long-term regeneration.

Pembroke Mill Lane for Pembroke College, Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK's most prestigious award for architecture.

Wonderful to see the new performance spaces at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) alive with performance, rehearsal and teaching.

Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge has received a RIBA National Award. 

Haworth Tompkins has been shortlisted in two categories at this year's Building Design Architect of the Year Awards.