A report on a successful bid for Arts Council England’s (ACE) Creative Foundations Fund for £2,068,000 of grant funding with match funding of £230,500 being provided by the Council that will be used to make improvements to the Hexagon Theatre seating, drainage, fire stopping and fire door remedial works.

The Committee received a report which stated that the Council had successfully applied to Arts Council England’s (ACE) Creative Foundations Fund for £2,068,000 of grant funding with match funding of £230,500 being provided by the Council (consisting of: £109,000 in-kind contribution, £71,500 fundraising and £50,000 capital funding). The funding would be used to make improvements to the Hexagon Theatre seating, drainage, fire stopping and fire door remedial works. The report explained that, in line with the Council’s constitution and a report to Policy Committee on 13 April 2026, (minute 72 refers) the Director of Culture, Leisure and Skills had accepted the grant offer and the Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance, would progress the procurement and enter into the necessary contracts to carry out the works. The first phase of work was due to be completed in winter 2026/27 with other works concluding in autumn 2027.

The report also explained that work was progressing on the new Studio Theatre at the Hexagon in accordance with the construction programme. The Studio Theatre was expected to open to the public in spring 2027, providing circa 200 seating flexible theatre (circa 300 standing) with step free access, accessible toilets on all floors, and bar and catering facilities. Work to install the new ground source heating system in the Hexagon was also progressing with the aim for full operation by October 2026. This would replace the existing gas boilers to help meet the decarbonisation aims of the Council. Officers had started The operational and business planning to programme the Hexagon and Studio Theatre from 2027 as complementary venues.

Resolved -

(1)      That the successful grant from Arts Council England of £2.068m for investment in the Hexagon Theatre be noted;

(2)      That the update on the Studio Theatre build due to open in spring 2027 be noted.