£2m Boost for Reading's Hexagon Theatre!

Reading's three MPs have celebrated a £2.068 million boost for The Hexagon Theatre, part of this week's announcement of successful bidders in the government's £127.8 million investment in cultural venues.

Reading Borough Council's bid will fund replacement customer seating and other improvements, forming part of a wider regeneration to create a multi-space arts hub aimed at 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."

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, protecting valued community spaces and helping ensure they remain open and accessible.

The funding comes through three national schemes: the Creative Foundations Fund, the Museum Estate and Development Fund, and the Libraries Improvement Fund.

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."

The Arts Everywhere Fund will invest up to £1.5 billion this Parliament to support more than 1,000 cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage sites across England.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter