McLaren Living has been selected to regenerate Minster Quarter in Reading town centre. Following a detailed procurement process, Reading Borough Council the company to drive forward and deliver the exciting new £250 million ‘Minster Quarter Central’ scheme, which could include:
- Over 600 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable homes across a range of tenures, including affordable rent and affordable private rent
- 40,000 sq. m of new commercial space including new workspace, retail, food and beverage, and a 102-bed hotel, to help drive forward the local economy
- New high-quality public spaces, including a new ‘Hexagon Square’ as a generous functional and attractive civic space, designed as a gateway to Reading’s iconic Hexagon Theatre and new Studio Theatre.
- Generating a significant number of new local jobs post-construction and a brand-new community hub, providing a base from which to host a range of community activities Hexagon Vista.
In line with Reading’s net-zero by 2030 ambitions, McLaren Living’s vision is for all-electric, energy efficient systems which maximise on-site renewable energy generation. The development promises a net gain in biodiversity and dedicated new pedestrian and cycle routes.
Reading’s Minster Quarter is a key and historic part of the town centre and represents a long-standing and major strategic regeneration ambition for Reading Borough Council. The 5.2-acre site, in the heart of Reading and formerly occupied by the Civic Centre, will become a new gateway to and from Russell Street, the Castle Hill Conservation Area and the residential areas of west Reading.
The proposals will aim to deliver a thriving mixed-use community, incorporating a positive street scene and places for people to shop, eat and enjoy Reading’s thriving arts and culture. Current plans include re-provision of space for the Charter Market on Hosier Street, and an improvement of its setting with new public realm surrounding the landmark Reading Minster. Proposals also include the regeneration of Dusseldorf Way, creating a key new boulevard with further street trees and places to sit.
The development is central to the wider Minster Quarter Regeneration Area, which has the potential to create a comprehensive new mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Reading town centre, delivering upwards of 1,200 homes. Over the next decade, neighbouring landowners plan to bring forward a series of schemes. These include the redevelopment of Thames Valley Police Station, Broad Street Mall, Magistrates Court investment and the Council’s own exciting plans to create a cultural campus with the Hexagon Theatre and new studio theatre extension, made possible through Levelling Up Fund funding.
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