Reading: ‘Magnificent’ R+ building unveiled to property experts

The first new significant office building to open in Reading in the past seven years – excluding pre-lets – the landmark R+ welcomed property leaders to a special event hosted by Savills.

Eighty guests heard that digital connectivity, the availability of a skilled workforce, plus communication links with the new Reading Station, had made town-centre the location for businesses – reversing a trend where out-of-town was once more attractive.

Nigel Howe, CEO of Reading Football Club, unveiled plans for a major convention centre, named Royal Elm Park, next to the Madejski Stadium.

He told the audience that this ‘very ambitious project’ would put Reading in the vanguard for convention centres alongside cities such as Liverpool and Birmingham.

“Reading is now one of, if not the, most progressive town in the UK,” said Howe.

Steve Lang of Savills emphasised that high-quality offices were key in attracting and retaining staff. Well-being was one of the most issues in the minds of employees, while the most important concern was the length of the daily commute.

James Massy-Collier, partner at Osborne Clarke, has recently masterminded his firm’s move from Apex Plaza to new offices at Forbury Place.

Through efficient use of space, no desk ownership, a ‘paperless’ office, and embracing work-life balance, Osborne Clarke now has 62 desks for 74 people at its Forbury Place offices, with a target to expand to 100 people.

Phil Brown, head of office for Savills in Reading, said buildings like R+ were modernising the town, and the way people worked. It was a ‘magnificent’ addition to the Reading skyline.