Milestone achieved at Reading's Huntley Wharf

By Stephen Emerson

27 October 2023

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Building works continue at pace at Berkeley’s Huntley Wharf development in Reading.

The development hit a major milestone with the delivery of a public open space at the development.

Elkie Russell, Managing Director, Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) said: “We are delighted with the progress achieved at Huntley Wharf and see our vision to create a striking new riverside scheme become a reality.

“We were honoured to be joined by our development partners, L&Q, in welcoming The Mayor, Councillor Tony Page, members of Reading Borough Council, representatives from REDA, and our valued Huntley Wharf residents, to celebrate the opening of the new Riverside Square. It provides access to a previously inaccessible stretch of riverside, creating an attractive public realm for the local community to enjoy.”

Newly created green streets provide a place to meet and play through the provision of natural play equipment; whilst the podium gardens provide an alternative tranquil space for residents to relax alongside nature.

The Mayor comments: “It was my privilege to be invited by Berkeley Homes to formally open the new Riverside Square at Huntley Wharf. I am proud to say that I have been involved in the project from the start. Huntley Wharf is an excellent example of a developer working in successful partnership with a local authority to deliver a high quality, attractive and diverse development, which I am confident will stand the test of time.

“Open space and water, I believe, are important elements that contribute to creating a well-designed scheme. I was therefore delighted to see the wonderful water fountains form the main feature in the square, making it an attractive and formidable riverside development.

“With the restoration of the river frontage now complete, it will make a big difference to have access to the whole of the river when we host Waterfest next summer.”

Elkie concluded: “The site has had many former uses including being part of the renowned Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory, as well as in more recent times becoming a Home Base and Toys R Us store. We purposely designed Huntley Wharf to honour the heritage and legacy of the iconic biscuit factory, for future generations to enjoy.

“Construction began in July 2019 and our first residents moved onto the site in April 2022. The site will soon deliver 765 homes, so far, we have completed around 400 new homes and delivered all 230 affordable homes which have been handed over to our joint venture partner, L&Q. The scheme will also be home to our new commercial partners; MonkeyMoos Daycare and Tesco’s. To complete the vision for Riverside Square, we are looking for commercial partners for our last two available, river facing units.”

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.