A study to decarbonise a town hall will be carried out after funding was secured.

Reading Borough Council has been given £127,000 Government funding to carry out a feasibility study at Reading Town Hall.

The study will look at how the building, which was built in the 18th and 19th centuries, can be decarbonised.

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The town hall is the last major council building that does not have current plans to be decarbonised.

The council has already started work on decarbonising the heating system at the Civic Offices and the Hexagon Theatre.

All of these projects are part of the council's aim for Reading to become a net-zero borough.

The funding will also allow an audit of the remaining smaller council buildings to help identify priorities, options, and approximate costs for the buildings to meet the net-zero target by 2030.

The findings will allow the council to take advantage of future external funding to carry out its decarbonisation works.

Councillor John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: "The council is already making great progress with decarbonising its major buildings, including the Civic Offices and Bennet Road depot.

"This funding will allow us to look at the work needed to decarbonise one of the town’s best-loved and most iconic buildings.

"The Town Hall is an old building which is costly to run and is also the council’s last major property which has not been decarbonised.

"I hope the results of the study will allow us to submit successful bids for further funding in the future to help Reading meet its ambitious targets to be net-zero.

"It is essential the council is seen to be leading the way in taking climate action which will not only save council tax payers money but will cut emissions and help create a healthier environment for Reading residents.

"We would encourage other major organisations with properties in Reading to follow suit."

Salix programme manager Christopher Masters said: "It’s inspiring to think that this funding will make a difference to such an iconic local building such as the Town Hall.

"We are looking forward to supporting Reading Borough Council as it makes this important step in its net-zero journey.

"The heat decarbonisation plan is such an important part of this ambition."

There are currently works underway to replace the gas boilers used for heating and hot water at the Civic Offices, in Bridge Street, with air source heat pumps.

This will also include the replacement of the air-cooling system.