We use cookies to improve your website experience. To learn about our use of cookies and how you can manage your cookie settings, please see our Cookie Policy. By closing this message, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Minster Quarter Urban Design Framework

In 2016 we were appointed by Reading Borough Council to consider a design framework for the redevelopment of the significant former civic offices site, plus adjacent retail and police/magistrates courts.

Initial aspirations of the client were for an uplift of 1,300 new homes in the area, a number of tall buildings in accordance with the adopted Tall Buildings Strategy (part-authored by team members from UPL), and improvements to the public realm.

Adjacent to the site sits the Grade 1 listed Minster of St. Mary, arguably Reading’s finest and most significant building. The UPL team worked to persuade the client at a political and policy level, to incorporate this building and its generous environs into the development framework, affording the reinterpretation of this structure as part of a comprehensive masterplan, along with a re-invented open space, surrounded by some the best surviving medieval frontages in the town.

Post adoption of the framework we have assisted the Council in selecting a development management partner to take the site forward and deliver new homes, community assets and town centre retail/mixed use.

See what else we've been doing