A major project to upgrade the main theatre in Reading has been approved after it had to be scaled back due to escalating costs.
The Hexagon Theatre has stood since 1977 as a destination for performances, comedians, pantomimes and more.
Reading Borough Council won approximately £12 million to upgrade The Hexagon from the previous Conservative government’s Levelling Up fund in January 2023.
However, the upgrade had to be scaled back in November last year due to increased estimated construction costs.
Introducing the adjusted project at a council meeting, planning officer Thomas Bradfield listed the adjustments made, which involved removing the third floor entirely and reducing the capacity of the auditorium from 230 to 200 seats.
Although resident concerns were raised that accessibility would be reduced as a result of the revisions, Mr Bradfield stated that The Hexagon would remain fully accessible for those with disabilities, with step-free access and accessible toilets at every level.
Furthermore, he said the removal of the third floor would result in a reduced level of harm to sunlight for neighbours, although a certain level of harm would remain.
On balance, the project was welcomed by councillors, despite disappointment that it had to be scaled back.
Councillor Richard (Labour, Thames) said:”We approved this application last year. We did so because of the benefits we felt that we felt that were offered to the people in Reading, and the cultural offering and improvements that would arise from this new theatre space.
“Although this is a diminished scheme now, which is a shame.
“It’s a shame that inflation has driven the costs up and we cannot afford to do everything we wanted to do, I think by and large the performance space itself is unchanged, largely.
“It’s really ancillary stuff that has unfortunately had to be removed on the top floor.
“All those benefits still pertain to the scheme.”
Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) pointed out that solar panels have been removed from the project, and asked whether they could be reincorporated elsewhere on the site.
Mr Bradfield replied that the solar panels would not be viable as they would be overshadowed by the 644 flats planned at Broad Street Mall and the 618 homes planned for the council’s Minster Quarter development.
He said: “Even without the solar panels the scheme is using ground source heat pumps and other natural ventilation, and would still meet BREEAM excellent, so it would still meet our requirements in terms of policy and still be a very sustainable scheme.
“It’s a shame they can’t get them in, but on balance, it’s not that big a negative.”
Cllr Andrew Hornsby-Smith (Labour, Church) asked whether a third floor with solar panels could be reintroduced if funding became available.
Mr Bradfield replied that, while a third floor was approved in principle when the development was originally granted in March last year, the redesign has not accounted for a future extension.
Disappointment that the council cannot afford the full upgrade was echoed by cllr Stephen Goss (Conservative, Emmer Green).
The adjustments to the project were approved unanimously at the planning applications committee meeting yesterday (Wednesday, January 8).
You can view the approved application by typing reference PL/24/1392 into the council’s planning portal.
