Milestone reached at Reading development of 765 homes

The massive Huntley Wharf development for a total of 765 homes was approved back in January 2018 to transform an area previously occupied by big box stores.

It involved the demolition of the old Homebase and Toys R Us stores and the replacement of these with multiple new apartment blocks.

Since then, work has steamed ahead, with most of the construction work appearing to be complete.

Now, developers Berkeley Group are celebrating the opening of the public open space in the new area.

READ MORE: Developer Berkeley Homes makes progress on building nearly 1,000 homes in Reading 

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, the London & Quadrant housing association (L&Q), in welcoming The Mayor, councillor Tony Page, fellow councillors, 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.”

The opening of The Riverside Square open space at the 765 home Huntley Wharf development in Reading/ Credit: Berkeley Homes

The open space gives neighbours access to the River Kennet.

Cllr Page (Labour, Abbey) said: “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.”

Work began on building Huntley Wharf in July 2019, with the first residents occupying their homes in April 2022.

So far, around 400 new homes have been built and all 230 of the affordable apartments have been handed over to L&Q.

The opening of the public open space comes as yet more progress is being made on Huntley Wharf, which is named after the town's Huntley & Palmer Biscuit Factory.

A Tesco Express within the development is predicted to open in 2025.

The unit which Tesco Express is eventually set to occupy in around 18 months at the Huntley Wharf development in Reading. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A licensing application for Tesco to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight each day at the future store was approved in October.

Meanwhile, the MonkeyMoos nursery at Huntley Wharf officially opened in August.

Gemma Gregory, Operations Director; Shanice Wells, Nursery Manager; Katie Holder, Deputy Manager at Monkey Moos nursery in Huntley Wharf, Reading. Credit: Monkey Moos / Gold79

However, one unit appears to be completed but unoccupied since the Local Democracy Reporting Service visited the area in the summer.