THE HEXAGON Theatre has been awarded £2.06 million by Arts Council England to carry out essential upgrades to ensure it is fit for the future.
The funding will be used to deliver new, more comfortable seating and improved accessibility for people with mobility issues, as well as infrastructure works which will keep the theatre running safely and smoothly.
A programme of work will dovetail with the project currently taking place to upgrade and decarbonise The Hexagon’s heating system and the construction of the new Studio Theatre.
Councillors say substantial investment is needed to ensure the theatre continues to offer customers the best possible experience during their visit.
Arts Council England funding will enable the complete replacement of the ageing retractable seating system on the ground floor of the auditorium. More comfortable seating will be installed with better views of the stage and better provision for wheelchair users.
Elderly customers and those with restricted mobility will also be better catered for with more handrails and stable fixtures installed to aid access around the venue.
The work will also include the replacement of around 60 internal and external fire doors and works to improve drainage.
The project will protect The Hexagon’s operational viability as well as continue to meet the diverse needs of its audiences and maintain its position as a vital cultural centre for the region.
It comes after the council previously secured government funding for the development of the new Studio Theatre, which will provide an intimate 200-seat performance space ideal for comedy shows and live music.
That is currently due to open in spring next year.
A government grant is also allowing The Hexagon’s old inefficient gas boilers to be replaced with ground source heat pumps, using naturally occurring warm water from underground.
Donna Pentelow, Reading Borough Council’s Director of Culture, Leisure and Skills said:
“The Hexagon will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year but is showing its age in some areas.
“This £2.06 million funding from Arts Council England will allow us to carry out essential upgrades which will benefit customers in many ways and see the much-loved venue continue to operate safely and smoothly for years to come.
“Customers will enjoy more comfortable seating with better views of the stage and people with restricted mobility will have a much-improved experience during their visit. The work will also enhance existing building infrastructure and improve existing operational issues.
“Along with the modernised heating system and Studio Theatre project, this investment is beathing new life into one of Reading’s favourite cultural venues and will allow audiences to enjoy live music, theatre, comedy, pantos and much more well into the future.”
