Chatham Place, Reading

Chatham Place is a £250m mixed-use development scheme being developed by Muse, in partnership with Reading Borough Council, at the western end of Reading town centre.

The development involves major infrastructure works to deck over the existing inner distribution road - thereby creating a new high quality public square. This will link the site into the existing core, extend the high street to the west and help realise Reading’s aspirations to become a European city. A significant component of the proposals has been the management of the traffic implications arising from the closure of the slip roads on and off the IDR.

Detailed approval has been given for phase 1 of the scheme along with outline approval for future phases of an overall development of 1.1 million sq ft on 11 acres.

The completed development will comprise both private and affordable housing, retail, community facilities, commercial offices and leisure amenities. Chatham Place will deliver a quality, vibrant destination for local people, with a dynamic mix of residential, retail, commercial, leisure and community facilities situated around new public spaces and streets.

Realisation of the regeneration of this part of the town centre is a major part of Reading Borough Council’s Reading City 2020 Vision initiative.

The development programme is now under way for phase 1 comprising the public car park, affordable housing and private residential buildings and substantial public open spaces. Construction is under way, with phased completion of this first phase in 2008 through to 2Q 2009.

A significant public consultation process has been undertaken on the scheme, and there is a continued commitment to this process as the detail design for Phase 2 develops. A public consultation statement was submitted as part of the Phase 1 planning application and we have had two extensive workshop sessions with Reading Borough Council offices and consultees. Further liaison will take place. Feedback from public and stakeholder consultations has been incorporated, where appropriate, as the satisfaction of the community and stakeholders with the process forms an intrinsic part of the development.

Phase one’s 590 space multi storey car park opened in October 2007 and is trading very successfully. Mayer House (96 Keyworker Apartments for Catalyst Community Housing Association) will open in April 2008 and its first residents will move into the private apartments in August 2008 and currently some 50% of the 211 apartments are now reserved.

The Stopping Up Order for Phase 2 was made by the Council last October and detail design/ procurement for Phase 2 is progressing such that works can start 3rd/4th Quarter 2008.