The team at Huntley Wharf in Reading are celebrating another fantastic milestone with the official opening of the new public space, Riverside Square.
Elkie Russell, Managing Director, Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern), said: “We are delighted with the progress at Huntley Wharf and see our vision of a striking new riverside scheme become a reality.
“We were honoured to be joined by our partners, L&Q, in welcoming The Mayor, Councillor Tony Page, members of Reading Borough Council, representatives from REDA, and the Huntley Wharf community, 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.”
Landscaping plays a key part of the design at Huntley Wharf, incorporating a number of positive changes which will benefit the local residents. Newly created green streets provide a place to meet and play through the provision of natural play equipment; whilst the podium gardens provide an alternative tranquil space for residents to relax alongside nature.
Councillor Tony Page, Mayor of Reading Borough Council, said: “It was my privilege to be invited by Berkeley 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."
Lucy, resident at Huntley Wharf, said: “I was fortunate enough to then be offered a home at Huntley Wharf by Reading Borough Council. I cannot begin to describe just how privileged I felt to be given the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place. The transformation from the old site is just incredible. I moved into my apartment with my son in December 2021 and have been able to see the whole development evolve. Now a number of the blocks are complete, a number of residents have now moved in, such that the community spirit is starting to evolve.”
Elkie said: “The site has had many former uses including being part of the renowned Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory. We have carefully designed Huntley Wharf to honour the heritage and legacy of the iconic biscuit factory for future generations to enjoy.
“Construction began in July 2019 and we welcomed our first residents in April 2022. In total, Huntley Wharf will deliver 765 homes, of which around 400 have already been completed, including all 230 affordable homes which have been handed over to our joint venture partner, L&Q. The scheme will also be home to our new commercial partners; MonkeyMoos Daycare and Tesco’s.”
