Council leader on Reading developments in 2022

The transformation of our town centre continues in 2022.

After what seems like a number of false dawns – in fairness attributable to the struggling economy – this is the year residents and visitors to Reading will really see the new Station Hill take shape.

Station Hill, a £750 million scheme, will create a truly world-class gateway for Reading, befitting of our world-class town. When complete, Station Hill will comprise up to 625,000 sq ft of office space, 1,300 homes (including affordable provision), and 95,000 sq ft of new retail and leisure space, adding to our already impressive town centre offer.

A new public square will form a key part of the redevelopment. Direct access to Reading Station will cross through a new park and into the central public square which will look to host a calendar of events, including local markets, outdoor cinema screenings and live events.

Residents will have already seen preparatory works well under way. The demolition of the dated Garrard Street car park makes the town centre visible from Reading Station for the first time in many years. Construction on the first phase of the project, a new 600-home community, is already progressing and the first homes will be ready to occupy next year. The second phase of the project, due to complete in early 2024, includes ‘ONE’ Station Hill (a 275,000 sq ft office building), the new public square and a link bridge providing level access from the station to the town centre.

Importantly, in addition to the £50m of social infrastructure created by the new Station Hill, it is estimated that the direct effect of over 8,000 employees and residential occupiers will generate an additional spend in the local economy of between £17.5 and £30.3 million each year. Another very welcome and significant boost for our local and regional economy and, when complete, we’ll boast yet another brand-new destination and leisure hub in its own right.

Moving in a south westerly direction from Station Hill is the Minster Quarter regeneration site, which many of you will recognise as the environs of the former Civic Centre. The development site encompasses a large area and is far from straightforward, with a variety of land ownerships and interests in play.

That is not deterring the council in pursuing its long-term vision to create yet another exciting new destination for our town centre. Our ambition for the Minster Quarter is to transform it into a new housing and employment area for Reading, incorporating much-needed affordable housing and active ground floor uses to boost the local economy, which will create new employment opportunities for residents. The project will have a focus on great public realm and be an exemplar zero carbon scheme.

There was good news last year when the council was successful in its £2 million bid for Government funding which will enable us to begin important preparatory work on site. There remains much to be done to bring our vision to reality however, including working with a development partner to fully bring it to fruition. We are nevertheless excited at the opportunity of creating yet another major destination for our town centre.

And then of course there is the vacant Reading Goal site, where we await news from the Ministry of Justice on whether it will allow the Council to pursue our vision to transform the area into a beacon of arts, heritage and culture. Our proposals would see the Gaol form the centrepiece of an exciting and truly unique development, including a new heritage centre celebrating its rich history and archaeology; space for theatre, dance, music, cinema and outdoor exhibitions; high quality and flexible public realm; a creative innovation hub hosting affordable workspaces, events, workshops and exhibitions led by resident cultural organisations; and a rooftop café. The offer would be made viable though a new residential development offering high-quality energy efficient homes and importantly, again, include new affordable homes.

Reading’s Town Centre is already the envy of many across the region. Our unrivalled shopping offer in and around Broad Street, The Oracle and Broad Street Mall. Our wide variety of nightlife from Friar Street to the Oracle Riverside and Gun Street. Our theatres and performances spaces, both large and intimate. Our cherished green space at the Forbury Gardens and, next door, our unique history at the Abbey Ruins. Like every good town (or city?), however, Reading doesn’t sit still. These exciting new developments would take it to an altogether different level.