Dining out on the Holy Brook

The-Holy-Brook-e1427795756423The Holy Brook, one of Reading’s most fascinating features, is a loop off the Kennet that runs from Theale, through central Reading into the Abbey Backwater near the ruins and the prison.  Possibly man-made in places, the brook meanders serenely through the town centre, making appearances here and there, whilst disappearing beneath buildings for much of its journey.  One intrepid schoolmate of mine claimed to have canoed the full length, much of it bent double in darkness under those long enclosed sections.  That sounds a bit frightening to me, but such a mission is slowly becoming easier.

This month the latest refinements to plans for a development on Gun Street have been submitted. The property is next door to the Purple Turtle bar and under the same ownership. Continue reading “Dining out on the Holy Brook”

Dining out on the Holy Brook

Royal Elm Park: Mixed Use – Mixed Bag

img-2
Yesterday I attended the first public exhibition on the proposals from Reading Football Club to develop the Madejski Stadium car park.  The club was taken over by a Thai consortium in September 2014.  The new owners have always been open about their intentions to bring forward some kind of property development around the stadium.  Details have slowly emerged, but yesterday’s exhibition, (also online), is the first time we’ve had any clarity on the proposals.

Continue reading “Royal Elm Park: Mixed Use – Mixed Bag”

Royal Elm Park: Mixed Use – Mixed Bag

The vanity bridge that’s well worth a look

DSC_1766“Pedestrian and Cycle bridge”.  That seems to be the official name for Reading’s new Thames crossing.  Yet despite the lack of foresight when it came to naming the new structure, the council and its planners deserve a little more credit for thinking longer term for Reading’s riverside.

Continue reading “The vanity bridge that’s well worth a look”

The vanity bridge that’s well worth a look