The Hexagon's new 200-seat Studio Theatre has its roof on and a step-free bridge from Queen's Walk in place. It is due to open in spring 2027.

The new Studio Theatre being built beside The Hexagon now has its roof on, and a pedestrian bridge linking it to Queen’s Walk is in place. Reading Borough Council announced the milestone on Wednesday 7 October. The theatre is due to open in spring 2027 (Reading Borough Council, 7 October 2026).

The bridge gives step-free access from Queen’s Walk into both the new venue and the existing Hexagon. The council says the auditorium is “taking shape” inside.

What the new theatre will have

The council’s announcement lists:

  • a capacity of 200 seated or 300 standing, with stalls and a gallery
  • a new main entrance, foyer and bar at the front, which can be turned into rehearsal, workshop or meeting space
  • lifts and accessible toilets on both levels
  • direct internal links to the main Hexagon auditorium, so the two venues can run together or separately
  • improved backstage areas for artists and crews, and upgraded technical equipment

The council pitches it at comedy and bands, a more intimate room than the main house. It will also be available for community groups to use.

A group of about twenty people in white hard hats and yellow high-visibility vests standing on the new pedestrian walkway, with the timber frame of the Studio Theatre behind them.
Council members, officers and the project team on the new walkway this week. Photo: supplied by Reading Borough Council.

Where the money came from

The council says the build is “mostly government funded along with Council investment”. The government money is from the Levelling Up Fund. In January 2023 Reading won £19.1 million from that fund for two projects: the Hexagon scheme and a new Central Library in the Civic Centre. When it appointed the design team in July 2023, the council described the Hexagon work as a £13.7 million project and said it had added 10% from its own capital fund (Reading Borough Council, 12 July 2023). It has not published an updated cost.

The Central Library half of that award is already open in the Civic Centre on Bridge Street.

The architects are Haworth Tompkins, whose theatre work includes the Chichester Festival Theatre remodelling. The main contractor is Feltham Construction.

How long it has taken

  • January 2023: the Levelling Up Fund award is announced.
  • July 2023: the council appoints Haworth Tompkins and the project team.
  • July 2025: work starts. The backstage area, dock and stage door are demolished first, and The Hexagon pauses shows for 11 weeks (Reading Borough Council, 15 July 2025).
  • October 2026: roof on, walkway installed.
  • Spring 2027: due to open.

When work began, the architects said they expected two years of construction. Spring 2027 keeps it close to that.

The project also ties into heating work at The Hexagon, where the council is replacing ageing gas boilers with a ground source heat pump.

What it means for you

The Hexagon itself stays open during the build. When work began, the council said a temporary back-of-house area in Lavender Gardens would let shows carry on throughout construction. This year’s panto is on as normal: our Reading pantomime page has the dates and prices.

Once the Studio Theatre opens, expect smaller comedy and music nights alongside the main programme. Community groups looking for rehearsal or meeting space will have a new room to book in the town centre. Step-free access from Queen’s Walk should also make the whole complex easier to reach for wheelchair users and anyone with a buggy.

The council has not yet announced an opening date, a launch programme or booking arrangements for community use. For what is on at The Hexagon now, see what’s on in Reading this month.

Sources