Reading theatre upgrade plans rubberstamped

A Reading theatre will benefit from a £13.7m upgrade after the project's plans were given the green light.

The Hexagon Theatre will get a new 300-capacity studio auditorium and rehearsal space, with work on the site set to begin as early as this summer.

The BBC reports that the project can proceed after Reading Borough Council secured £19.1m of government Levelling Up funding to upgrade The Hexagon and bring the Central Library into the council's civic offices in Bridge Street.

Jackie Yates, Chief Executive of the council, said: "We want the Hexagon to continue to remain a pivotal venue for Reading residents and the wider area in the future, and this important project will secure that.

"Access to the arts and culture plays an important part in people's lives. Having such a versatile and accessible venue will enable even more residents to enjoy it."