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Lifelong Reading resident and journalist John Burbedge takes a metaphorical stroll through his hometown ...


A town fast becoming the complete city?


Yet, I hear you ask: ‘Isn’t it already a complete city?’ Well, not according to the national authorities who assess and decide on such matters of urban titles.


So what prevents Reading from being a complete city? In my mind, it is just three key aspects:


• a major events venue to stage national and international conferences, concerts, exhibitions, theatre, shows and the like.


• ease of north-south access – namely the need for a third vehicular bridge across the Thames, arguably by the obvious extension of the A329(M) towards Caversham and Playhatch.


•


improved international recognition for its wealth of city lifestyle and business attributes.


Hopefully, this first aspect will be resolved by the major facilities planned within the Royal Elm Park development, bordering the existing Madejski Stadium and hotel complex.


As far as the third Reading bridge ..... well, Reading FC may get promotion again to the Premier League before that happens.


And, establishing a strong widespread reputational image is a long-term ongoing project involving a concerted investment of time, money and commitment by all stakeholders. Only time and appropriate positive action will tell.


Read on, and see if you agree with me.


If not, write to us, and we’ll publish readers’ views.


*EY’s UK Region and City Economic Forecast, December 2017


Reading is one of the UK’s fastest growing business centres and, bar London, is expected to outperform cities located across the rest of the country over the next 2-3 years.*


In my view, the town of Reading is today fast approaching recognition as a complete city – one ‘coming of age’, ready for the ongoing challenges presented by the digital era of the 21st century.


Perhaps it’s odd to use the phrase ‘coming of age’ about a town founded in business terms in the 8th century as


businessmag.co.uk


a market-trading community initially surrounding a ford (probably crossing the Kennet river) and later two bridges across the Thames.


But, Reading’s current generation-long period of developmental regeneration has really brought the town up to speed with modern business and employee lifestyle requirements.


Reading’s biggest strength ... I recently spoke to Peter Brett Associates partner Scott Witchalls and a comment of his set me thinking: “Historically, Reading has always been really good at adapting to change. Without question that’s its biggest strength. It has consistently re-invented itself, been flexible and adapted to change as necessary as the world has changed around it. To be successful in the future, it’s an attribute that Reading needs to continue to embrace, along with good forward-planning – both vital for business success.”


“Current investment is reflecting that adaptability, which has created quite a diverse community. We have got diverse skills and employment opportunities here, for example. Reading has become


READING NUMBER 1 CITY UPDATE – JULY/AUGUST 2018


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