Scaled-back theatre upgrade project approved

A major theatre upgrade project has been approved after it had to be scaled back due to escalating costs.

Reading Borough Council won about £12m to upgrade The Hexagon from the previous Conservative government's Levelling Up fund in January 2023.

The project was scaled back last November due to increasing costs, and now an adjusted project, which involves reducing the capacity of the auditorium from 230 to 200 seats, has been introduced at a council meeting.

The new proposal was welcomed by councillors, despite disappointment it had to be scaled back.

The Hexagon Theatre has stood since 1977.

Although residents were concerned accessibility would be reduced as a result of the revisions - which also involved removing the third floor entirely - planning officer Thomas Bradfield said it would remain fully accessible, with step-free access and accessible toilets at every level.

Labour councillor Richard Davies said it was "a shame" the scheme was "diminished" but added: "By and large, the performance space itself is unchanged.

"It's really ancillary stuff that has unfortunately had to be removed on the top floor. All those benefits still pertain to the scheme."

Labour councillor Karen Rowland pointed out that solar panels have been removed from the plans and asked whether they could be reincorporated elsewhere on the site.

But Mr Bradfield replied the 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 added the project still met council requirements and was still "very sustainable".

The adjustments were approved unanimously at the planning applications committee meeting on Wednesday.

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