£250m Reading town centre regeneration project announces ‘major milestone’

The regeneration of the Minster Quarter has reached a ‘major milestone’ with the announcement of the Council’s development partner to transform the key Reading town centre site.

Following a detailed procurement process, Reading Borough Council has selected McLaren Living to drive forward and deliver the new £250m ‘Minster Quarter Central’ scheme, which could include:

• Over 600 new homes, 30 per cent of which will be affordable homes across a range of tenures, including affordable social rent and affordable private rent
• 40,000 sq m of new commercial space including new workspace, retail, food and beverage, and a 102-bed hotel, to help drive forward the local economy
• New high-quality public spaces, including a new ‘Hexagon Square’ as a generous functional and attractive civic space, designed as a gateway to Reading’s iconic Hexagon Theatre and new Studio Theatre
• Generating a significant number of new local jobs post-construction and a brand-new community hub, providing a base from which to host a range of community activities.

In line with Reading’s net-zero by 2030 ambitions, McLaren Living’s vision is for all-electric, energy efficient systems which maximise on-site renewable energy generation. The development promises a net gain in biodiversity and dedicated new pedestrian and cycle routes.

Reading’s Minster Quarter is a key and historic part of the town centre and represents a long-standing and major strategic regeneration ambition for Reading Borough Council. 

The 5.2-acre site, in the heart of Reading and formerly occupied by the Civic Centre, will become a new gateway to and from Russell Street, the Castle Hill Conservation Area and the residential areas of west Reading.

The proposals aim to deliver a ‘thriving’ mixed-use community, incorporating a positive street scene and places for people to shop, eat and enjoy Reading's thriving arts and culture. 

Current plans include re-provision of space for the Charter Market on Hosier Street, and an improvement of its setting with a new public realm surrounding the landmark Reading Minster. Proposals also include the regeneration of Dusseldorf Way, creating a key new boulevard with further street trees and places to sit.

The development is central to the wider Minster Quarter Regeneration Area, which has the potential to create a comprehensive new mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Reading town centre, delivering upwards of 1,200 homes. Over the next decade, neighbouring landowners plan to bring forward a series of schemes.