READING Borough Council has secured more than £19 million of infrastructure funding to revitalise theatre and library facilities.
After the latest round of “Levelling Up” funding was released by the government, the council was among a number of local authorities to receive a share of £2 billion’s worth of investment boosts across the UK.
The council will now see £19.1 million of development split between Reading’s Central Library and the Hexagon theatre.
Investment of £8 million of the fund will go to custom-building a brand new Central Library next to the civic offices on Bridge Street, central Reading.
The existing site of the Central Library has raised accessibility concerns as the dated building occupies multiple storeys.
As such the council plans to create a “modern and open space,” built with accessibility concerns in mind which combines traditional book loaning and digital services and facilities.
The council is also planning to spend the remaining £12 million on improvements to Reading’s largest theatre, The Hexagon.
Current plans include the extension of parts of the building, the installation of a more accessible entrance via Queen’s Walk, and a new multi-functional community space, the HexBox.
The council says that the new space will accommodate “a wider variety of performances and uses,” and forms the first phase of a “longer-term regeneration of the Hexagon,” and the Minster Quarter more broadly.
Council leader cllr Jason Brock said: “This is incredible news for Reading and once again confirms the Council’s strong track record of successfully attracting external investment to benefit local residents and our ability to deliver against investment.
“The Hexagon Theatre and Central Library are much-cherished and well-established institutions, both in Reading and across the wider region, but they also come with limitations.
“Our successful bid now offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform both and breathe new life into services, while also supercharging our broader plans for the redevelopment of the Minster Quarter.
He continued: “The funding will be used to build a brand new and additional flexible performance and community space at the Hexagon Theatre.
“We will also provide a modern new Reading Central Library at the Civic Offices site on Bridge Street.
“Importantly, both projects will also enable us to ensure much-improved accessibility so that everyone can use and enjoy the facilities.
He said that 2023 was proving to be a “landmark” year for Reading, citing the provision of new swimming pools and leisure facilities, new and refurbished train stations, and investment in cycling infrastructure and in local bus services.
“Today’s announcement will now allow us to build on that progress and fits with this Council’s ambition to create new opportunities for everybody in the town.”
The funding is part of a £2 billion investment released by the government, designated as a “Levelling Up” fund.
More than 100 communities across the UK received funding in the second round of boosts, including £50 million to the Eden Project North.
