The three MPs for Reading have celebrated a £2.068 million boost for The Hexagon Theatre.
This week, the Labour government announced the successful bidders for its £127.8 million investment in cultural venues.
The investment is part of the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund – a £1.5 billion package to support cultural infrastructure across the country and ensure communities can continue to access arts, heritage and cultural spaces locally.
Reading Borough Council’s bid for replacement customer seating and other improvements at The Hexagon was successful in securing funding.
The funding forms part of a wider regeneration of the theatre, which will create a multi-space arts hub for Reading, driving footfall and supporting the local economy.
Celebrating the news, Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, said: “The Hexagon is such an important venue for Reading, bringing visitors to our town and supporting community events.
“Along with the work that is already being undertaken this funding will help to ensure that The Hexagon continues to serve local people for years to come.”
Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading Central, added: “I am delighted that the Hexagon is receiving this extra funding which will make a significant difference to supporting and improving this important venue.”
Finally, Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, said: “I’m so glad to see that the Hexagon is one of hundreds of cultural sites being funded by the Arts Everywhere Fund. It’s been such an important venue ever since it was built, and this money means that Reading will continue to have access to one of the country’s best art hubs for decades to come.”
Across the country, 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries are receiving support through this latest round of funding, helping to protect valued community spaces and ensure they remain open and accessible for future generations.
The funding provided is part of three national schemes:
• The Creative Foundations Fund, supporting theatres, galleries and music venues with essential infrastructure
• The Museum Estate and Development Fund, helping local museums protect heritage buildings and collections
• The Libraries Improvement Fund, upgrading library buildings and technology to better serve communities
Lisa Nandy, Labour’s culture secretary, said: “Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together.
“That’s why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We’re backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country announced today
“Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That’s the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country.”
The Arts Everywhere Fund will invest up to £1.5 billion over this Parliament to support more than 1,000 cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage sites across England.
