Private and public sector bodies have come together in Reading this week to set out a vision for how the town could evolve between now and 2050.
Project partners Barton Willmore, investment body Reading UK and the University of Reading have drawn up three strands in their Reading 2050 Vision, which they have been working on for the past three years.
Their document, published at a launch event in Reading last night and supported by the local authority, focuses on ways to boost economic growth over the long term.
The vision splits into three strands: creating a city of rivers and parks; creating a green tech city; and creating a city of culture and diversity. It can be accessed here.
Kim Cohen, partner at Barton Willmore in Reading, said: “It looks at what a positive town Reading is, and builds on that strength. There are three rivers that flow through Reading, for example, that we don’t fully capitalise on at the moment.”
Cohen said that in its bid to differentiate itself from other inward investment locations, the town should exploit its strengths of connectivity and location , and its wealth of “hidden” assets. “Reading needs to shout out about what kind of a town it is,” Cohen said.
Key sites include the Royal Elm Park convention centre; the Station Hill scheme, where Stanhope and Benson Elliott are currently looking for a funding partner; and the Reading prison scheme.
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