The Hexagon Theatre could become the first in the UK to use ground source heat pumps for heating.

This follows the successful drilling of two 120m deep boreholes, which have been confirmed to provide a suitable water flow.

The heat pumps will harness naturally occurring warm water from underground, a renewable energy source, to heat and cool the theatre.

READ MORE: Hectors Way/Kings Road roundabout is unsafe says residents

This system is part of the theatre's redevelopment and aligns with the council's goal to make Reading carbon-free by 2030.

Old, inefficient, high-carbon gas boilers at The Hexagon will be removed as part of this initiative.

The new system is expected to significantly cut the theatre's carbon emissions.

The Hexagon Theatre's new heating system will draw 15 litres of water per second from the chalk aquifer beneath the town, using a heat pump to extract the heat before returning the cooler water underground.

The geology of the area is particularly suited to this method, with the porous chalk allowing water to flow easily.

Tests showed that the water levels quickly returned to normal after extraction, meaning the process will have minimal impact on the surrounding area.

The council is currently seeking a licence from the Environment Agency to use the boreholes for this purpose.

READ MORE: Earley residents hit back at 'chaos' from new bus lane

The heat pump system will be funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, managed by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

In addition, air source heat pumps will be installed at The Hexagon Theatre to provide extra heating or cooling during periods of high use.

Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of the Council, said: "We are committed to using innovative ways to make our buildings carbon neutral for the future of Reading and our residents.

"The Hexagon could be the first theatre which uses water which is naturally running many metres below us to heat and cool the space to make it comfortable for audiences who come and watch the wide range of shows we have to offer."

Richard Lane, Director of Drift Services Group, the company that conducted the exploratory work, said: "Drift Services Group (Drift) is delighted to have played a key role in delivering this landmark project for Reading Borough Council, which will be one of the first of its kind in the UK to utilise open-loop ground source heating for both heating and cooling of a theatre."

The Hexagon Theatre's redevelopment is part of the new Minster Quarter project and has been funded by a £19.1 million grant from the government's Levelling Up Fund.