L&Q and Berkeley Homes announce joint plans for new riverside development in Reading

Berkeley Homes (Western) and L&Q are delighted to announce they have come together to work in partnership to deliver the redevelopment of the former Homebase/Toys R Us site in central Reading.

This partnership brings together two market leading names on an iconic scheme in central Reading.

The 6.9 acre site enjoys a prime location, within walking distance to the town centre, railway station and other key public transport links. The development has planning consent for 765 new homes in an innovative and high quality design across a range of apartment buildings.

Berkeley and L&Q will create a new destination for Reading, featuring a central riverside square with bars and restaurants; a local store; and landscaped open spaces along the river - creating an attractive waterside area for everyone to enjoy.

Craig Luttman, Regional Managing Director for Counties, L&Q, said: “As a charitable organisation, our role goes beyond providing homes and housing services. We are a long-term partner in the neighbourhoods where we work. We have a successful track record of building quality homes and creating sustainable communities stretching back over half a century. Our award-winning approach to design allows us to create thriving neighbourhoods and we have a proud history of delivering major residential and mixed-use developments. We look forward to working with Berkeley to deliver this exciting scheme.”

Matthew Biddle, Managing Director, Berkeley Homes (Western) said: “Berkeley Homes is delighted to play a key role in the redevelopment of Reading. We have a proven track record of delivering high quality new homes in the area, with our urban village, Kennet Island on Reading south side now nearing completion and our latest scheme, Green Park Village, creating the first lakeside development in Reading.

 “At Berkeley, our passion is to create fantastic communities where people aspire and love to live. Our focus is on placemaking and creating strong communities where people from all walks of life can live comfortably together.

“Working in partnership with L&Q to develop such a prime location, close to the city centre, will enable us to open up the riverside for everyone to enjoy,” Biddle concluded.

Construction on the site will commence early next year with first apartments available from Spring 2021.