Where is the centre of any town or city? In my experience, most frequently, people associate with an urban public open space that acts as the main focal point for local civic life. Continue reading “Where is the Square?”
Author: Reading-On-Thames
Crossrail – the Reading perspective
There’s a great deal of hype locally about Crossrail. Reading will act as a western terminus for the £15bn mega-project. But what will it provide for the people of Reading? Let’s take a look… Continue reading “Crossrail – the Reading perspective”
All Change for Swimming in Reading
Where’s the best place to swim in Reading? The answer, bluntly, is Bracknell. Our new-town neighbour boasts its eponymous leisure centre, with twin 25m pools for leisure and lane swimming, and a soon-to-be renovated fun and flume complex Coral Reef. Both are normally spotlessly maintained – I can never change without being hassled by a mop-wielding attendant whenever I visit. Continue reading “All Change for Swimming in Reading”
A Tale of Two Towers
After many years of talking, planning and re-planning, there’s finally a flurry of building activity around Reading station, as the town’s skyline continues its rapid evolution. The work is centred around Reading’s two office buildings bearing the word ‘Tower’ in their name: Western Tower and Thames Tower. The two, however, have met very different fates. Continue reading “A Tale of Two Towers”
The dilemma with no prisoners
Today it was announced that Reading Prison is to be sold for housing development. Progress on the prison disposal, following its closure two years ago is to be welcomed. However, in my view, most people in Reading had rather higher hopes for the historic building than a pure apartment conversion. Rob Wilson, Reading East MP, was on BBC Radio Berkshire’s Andrew Peach show this morning telling us that we should be “extraordinarily happy” at the prospect of some much-needed housing. It would be “extraordinary”, he continued, to question the idea. Well, I’ll have to take that as a compliment. Continue reading “The dilemma with no prisoners”
Zeroing in on the Dreadnought – defunct inn to have Reading’s biggest pub car park
Yesterday I visited the public exhibition organised by Wokingham council for a new park and ride site to the east of Reading. Continue reading “Zeroing in on the Dreadnought – defunct inn to have Reading’s biggest pub car park”
Hexagons, Headaches, and why the answer is Hills Meadow
At a meeting next week, Reading Borough council will discuss the future of theatre provision in the town. Below is the key paragraph from the paper they will discuss: Continue reading “Hexagons, Headaches, and why the answer is Hills Meadow”
Dining out on the Holy Brook
The 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”
Royal Elm Park: Mixed Use – Mixed Bag
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.
The vanity bridge that’s well worth a look
“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”
Reading-on-Thames 