Construction has officially begun on Reading's newest performance venue, as work starts on the new Studio Theatre being built alongside The Hexagon.

The first phase of the project, led by Feltham Construction Ltd, includes the demolition of the existing backstage area, dock, and stage door on Queen’s Walk. The space will be transformed into a cutting-edge, purpose-built venue designed to host comedy, live music, and community events.

The new theatre will seat 200 people, with flexible design allowing for a standing capacity of 300. A gallery on the first floor adds further seating, while improved backstage and technical facilities are expected to attract a wide variety of professional and community performances.

A ceremony to mark the milestone took place and it was attended by key project figures including Council Leader Councillor Liz Terry, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture Adele Barnett-Ward, Chief Executive Jackie Yates, Managing Director of Feltham Construction Andy Brown, and Director of architects Haworth Tompkins Lucy Picardo.

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Councillor Terry said: "I am so pleased we are now at the point where this transformative work is beginning to create a new purpose-built venue.

"This new theatre, along with the Reading Central Library and redesigned customer reception, will provide amazing new facilities for our residents and our town.

"The new Studio Theatre is also set to be at the heart of a regeneration for that area of the town as part of the Minster Quarter."

As construction begins, there will be an 11-week pause in the Hexagon’s performance schedule to allow full access to the site. Shows will resume on Saturday 27 September with The Dinosaur that Pooped: A Rock Show, followed by Taylormania – A Taylor Swift Eras Tour Tribute on 28 September.

To keep performances running during construction, a temporary back-of-house area has been set up in Lavender Gardens. This will allow events like Reading's popular annual pantomime, featuring CBeebies star Justin Fletcher in Beauty and the Beast, to continue as planned.

The project also includes a new accessible entrance from Queen's Walk, a large foyer with a bar and outdoor seating, and flexible space that can be used for rehearsals and community events. A lift and stairs will ensure full accessibility for all visitors.

The new Studio Theatre is expected to open in Spring 2027.