Work will start in Spring on the 275,000 sq ft office building at Reading’s Station Hill development after planning permission was given by councillors.

Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee approved plans for phases two and three of the scheme at its January 13 meeting.

Enabling works have already begun on the previously-consented phase one at the former Friars Walk section of the site and now developer Lincoln MGT is ready to start on the phase two office building to be known as One Station Hill.

Alex Aitchison, director of development for Lincoln Property Company UK which is part of the joint venture with MGT Investment Management, said: “From the start on site in the Spring, to the completion of One Station Hill in 2024 – the real work starts now.

“However, we know that our focus on and expertise in placemaking will set Station Hill apart, and we are thoroughly looking forward to seeing our transformative vision for Reading become a reality.

“Station Hill will deliver an exceptional mixed-use environment offering a true live-work location adjacent to Reading train station and the start of the Elizabeth Line.

“The scheme has been designed to give occupiers and their employees an activated, energised ecosystem with amenities on hand and multi-modal travel connections to draw on a wide pool of talent.

“The quality of the office space will drive occupiers’ productivity, and in a post-Covid world will help to bring employees back to the office to a safe and inspirational space.

“We believe in Reading’s potential, and this decision provides the positive momentum that the town needs at this crucial juncture.

“Not only will Station Hill provide an opportunity to improve the way in which people live, work, invest in and visit this town, it will create a platform for Reading to fulfil its potential as the true capital of the South East. The time for Station Hill is now.”

One Station Hill will have a rooftop terrace, bar and lounge and there will be 95,000 sq ft of independent retail and restaurants, leisure along with new public realm with parking below.

While full permission was granted for phase two, outline was granted for phase three to allow for flexibility. It will be a mix of offices, homes including possible later living accommodation, leisure and potentially a hotel.

Once complete, the entire site will potentially house 1,350 new homes, offices for around 9,000 new staff, space for retail, cafes and restaurants, a new pedestrian link and public realm between the station and the town centre.

The team for the project includes:

  • CallisonRTKL as masterplanner and architect for the residential and hotel buildings
  • Gensler as architect for the commercial office buildings
  • LDA Design as landscape architect for the public realm
  • DP9 as planner

Joint agents for the office accommodation are JLL and Hatch RE. Distrkt will market the lifestyle and leisure elements.

Image shows One Station Hill.

© Thames Tap (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).

Sign up to receive your free weekly Thames Tap newsletter here.