A time capsule has been buried at Reading’s Station Hill development.

It includes memorabilia and drawings provided by children from local primary school Civitas Academy to illustrate the 2020s.

The capsule, which is intended to be opened in 2060, was buried at a special ceremony attended by Year Five children, residents from the Ebb&Flow residential development and tenants from the ONE Station Hill.

Other participants included Cllr Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, alongside members and officers from the council, representatives from organisations including the Reading Civic Society, REDA and the Public Art Advisory Group which collaborated with Lincoln MGT to define and deliver the public realm and artwork at the heart of Station Hill.

Cllr Terry said: “The burying of a time capsule at Station Hill by schoolchildren from Civitas Academy is a fitting way to mark the completion of what is a major regeneration development for Reading. 

“There has been an enthusiastic response to the new Station Hill from local residents and businesses, in particular the public square and accompanying artwork, which has delivered not only a destination in its own right, but a new front door which is befitting of the town. 

“While the world, and indeed Reading, may look very different in 35 years when the time capsule is re-opened again, I’m sure the impressive new Station Hill development is one which will stand the test of time for many decades to come.”

Among the materials included in the time capsule are:

  • An artbook produced specifically to celebrate the completion of the public realm at Station Hill
  • A scrapbook of hundreds of images associated with the development
  • Various everyday items connected with Reading

Speaking on behalf of Station Hill developer Lincoln MGT, Alex Aitchison, manging director of Lincoln Property Company, said: “Our vision for Station Hill has always been one of long-term transformation, regenerating the town centre and creating a new statement ‘front door’ that people living and working in Reading could be proud of.  It is a clear testament to this vision that Station Hill is already a place which members of the local community can connect with on a daily basis. 

“This time capsule helps to showcase young, local talent, including rubbings of materials on-site by Year Five Civitas Academy students and drawings imagining what Reading town centre might look like in the future. 

“It also serves as a clear reminder of the role of Station Hill – past and present – in the wider development of Reading but – more importantly – the huge impact we believe it will have on regenerating and transforming the town in the future.  It is incredible to think that the children who created these drawings will be approaching 50 years old when the capsule is due to be opened.

“We are extremely grateful to the support we have received over the years from all members of local community and business organisations, in particular the participation of schools like Civitas Academy in helping to create a genuine link between today’s generation of young people in Reading. 

“We’re all looking forward to 2060 and the unlocking of an amazing moment in time – captured and sealed for so many years – when the capsule is opened up once more and its contents shared.”

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