PLANS for changes to a cultural venue in Reading have seen new artist’s impressions and a new name released.
While plans which are set to see The Hexagon updated have been in the works for a number of months, new details and images have been released.
Now known as The Hexagon Studio Theatre, the plans will see the space updated with a number of studios, auditoriums, workshops, dressing rooms, and spaces.
A new building alongside the current Hexagon theatre will feature a studio auditorium with balcony viewing and capacity for 300 audience members, complete with a hexagonal ventilation shaft in the centre of the ceiling.
It will also see a rehearsal space which will also be flexible enough to be used as an extension to the foyer during busier periods.
A further community studio will be open to groups and organisations featuring dedicated, accessible toilets and facilities.
The new building will feature step-free access from Queens Walk as well as access to the main Hexagon foyer, and a mezzanine level.
Sustainable practises are to be used throughout, including natural ventilation through the auditorium and foyers, solar panels, heat pumps and natural lighting.
Plans are also designed to incorporate and re-use existing concrete foundations, low embodied carbon timber, and a ‘fabric first’ approach to decreasing the energy demands of the new spaces.
Plans have progressed after Reading Borough Council secured more than £19m of Levelling Up funding back in January this year.
Of that funding, nearly £14m will go towards the plans, which the council is undertaking as part of larger proposals to revitalise the Minster Quarter surrounding the theatre.
Planning application is now expected to submitted early next year, and work could start on the project as soon as August.
It is also part of a wider proposal which will see Reading Central Library moved into an upgraded Civic Offices building on Bridge Street.
Updated proposals are available to view via: whatsonreading.com
