ONE OF Reading’s most iconic cultural venues could be the first in the UK to be heated with ground-source heat pumps, should a council application be accepted.
The Hexagon theatre in central Reading is among the council’s selected sites as part of its ongoing carbon reduction projects, and has been evaluated for suitability for the low-carbon heating methods as part of an ongoing revamp.
Exploratory work by contractors during the summer saw an evaluation of the site on Queen’s Walk, which found that the area would be suitable for use of ground-sourced heat pumps, a form of renewable energy.
The pumps harness heat from water which flows naturally underground, which is then directed to the surface and heat is extracted, before the water is returned underground.
This heat can be used to keep buildings warm through thermal extractors, which transfer the heat into internal hot water cyclinders, which are in turn used to feed radiators and underfloor heaters, much like conventional boilers.
This method would replace the inefficient gas boilers currently installed, which have a significantly higher carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Contractors Drift Services Group bored two holes in the chalk ground at the site to conduct tests to see if the flow and strength of an aquifer which runs under the town was suitable for the technology.
Tests found that 15 litres of water could be extracted per second, as the geology of the area means that water flows through fractures in the chalk, lending itself to the process.
Water levels were found to return quickly after the tests, meaning such use would have a minimal impact on the surrounding area.
Following the tests, Reading Borough Council applied to the Environment Agency for a license to use boreholes for the use of heat pumps.
The proposal would be funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme conducted by Salix, a shoreline protection and ecological enhancement agency which works on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The water-source heat pumps would work alongside air-sourced heat pumps which are also to be installed at The Hexagon, which would compliment them by providing more heat or cooler air during periods of higher use.
The inclusion of heat pumps at the site comes as part of a redevelopment of The Hexagon, which also forms part of a larger plan to revitalise the area as the new Minster Quarter, made possible by a grant of more than £19 million from the government’s Levelling Up fund.
Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of the Council, said: “We are committed to using innovative ways to make our buildings carbon neutral for the future of Reading and our residents.
“The Hexagon could be the first theatre which uses water which is naturally running many metres below us to heat and cool the space to make it comfortable for audiences who come and watch the wide range of shows we have to offer.”
Richard Lane, Director, Drift Services Group, which carried out the exploratory work, said: “Drift Services Group (Drift) is delighted to have played a key role in delivering this landmark project for Reading Borough Council, which will be one of the first of its kind in the UK to utilise open-loop ground source heating for both heating and cooling of a theatre.
“Our drilling and testing of the boreholes at The Hexagon confirmed the presence of high-quality water in the aquifer, ensuring not only the required flow rates but also the efficient return of water to the aquifer — an essential factor for the system’s performance and the sustainable nature of this clean, green energy solution.
“The rigorous testing process included verifying the aquifer’s capacity to supply and reabsorb the required water volumes through separate, rigorous procedures. All tests were successfully completed, and the boreholes have been securely capped, ready for the next phase of permanent pump installation following the heat pump deployment.”
Ian Rodger, Director of Programmes at Salix, which delivers and administers grant and loan funding on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “We look forward to working with Reading Borough Council on this project, which builds upon years of dedicated work to reduce their carbon emissions in a bid to tackle the climate emergency.
“The ambitious project at The Hexagon theatre will transform this iconic community venue in the heart of Reading and offer significant benefits to both the council and community.”
