In this month's address to readers, Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central, celebrates the economic success of the town, and how the town's connectivity could be improved to drive more growth. Mr Rodda writes:
It was my pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, to Reading this month to see the regeneration of the area around Reading Station.
This important new development shows how investment in the Elizabeth Line and other fast and efficient public transport is helping create new jobs and boost the incomes of local residents.
The £850 million Station Hill redevelopment has brought commercial space, new housing, and modern offices to the town centre on what had previously been a derelict, inaccessible site. The project has also reshaped the main approach to the Railway Station and created a new ‘front door’ to Reading, providing public space for all to enjoy with landscaping, seating, sculptures, and murals.
I was delighted to show the Business Secretary around ONE Station Hill, the impressive 17-storey office building that opened and began welcoming tenants in early 2025. This development is attracting global brands to the town, creating jobs, providing new opportunities for residents, and supporting a whole range of local small businesses that will benefit from increased trade and service opportunities.
Business secretary visits landmark office building One Station Hill in Reading
The location of the building, a short distance from Reading Station with easy access to both Network Rail services and the Elizabeth Line, makes it an attractive prospect for the global brands that have become the building’s tenants. Reading Station is one of the country's busiest railway hubs, providing fast and reliable transport links to London and the rest of the country.
I am supporting plans for a Western Rail Link to Heathrow, which would cut the journey from Reading Station to Heathrow to just 15 minutes, benefit commuters, strengthen links with international markets, and would encourage further business growth across Berkshire.
The introduction of the Elizabeth Line has already been a huge success, powering the creation of jobs, homes, and other forms of regeneration all along the route. The line has been a catalyst for new investment in Reading, and I would like to pay tribute to Reading Borough Council and the 1997-2010 Labour Government that ensured that the Elizabeth Line has its terminus in Reading, not Maidenhead as was originally planned.
Investment in transport infrastructure, like the Elizabeth Line and the proposed Western Rail Link, also enables more visitors and tourists to easily access all that Reading has to offer. I was very pleased to see that the council recently submitted an expression of interest for the City of Culture 2029 competition which is supported by partner organisations in the town’s cultural sector. This is an opportunity to highlight Reading’s unique heritage and vibrant communities, and to celebrate our nine museums, nationally recognised theatre, major music events, and wide range of community-led festivals.
I am very proud of our town, which is becoming a major cultural and commercial centre. This is thanks to the ambition and hard work of the Council and the local business community, supported by the Government’s investment in fast and effective public transport links.
I was pleased to be able to showcase what our town has to offer to the Business Secretary, and I will continue to support projects and investment opportunities that will unlock Reading’s potential and will benefit local people.
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