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Reading Enews – August 2007 Reading Station Project Gets Go-Ahead The government has now approved funding for the Reading Station Upgrade Scheme. This follows a 10-year campaign by Reading Borough Council and its partners to secure capacity improvements. Reading is currently the second busiest station outside London but it is also Britain's most notorious rail bottleneck, with too few platforms to cope with the number of trains that the Great Western Mainline is capable of running. The Station upgrade is one of the most important rail projects in the UK over the next decade, with major benefits locally and nationally. Reading Borough Council's website will provide further information on the project as details emerge: www.reading-travelinfo.co.uk Retail & leisure The latest FOCUS Retail Demand Report (May 2007) shows Reading in the top ten of 'In-Town' demand by total square footage, i.e. 153 retailers are collectively seeking 1,389,837 sq ft of retail space in central Reading. It is also a top ten destination in terms of the demand for 'prime shop' requirements by the country's leading retailers. That makes it a top ten retail destination, in terms of ongoing demand, in the UK. 'In Town Without My Car Day' – 20 September 2007 Drivers are being encouraged to leave their cars at home and use alternative transport to travel to work on 20 September, to mark 'In Town Without My Car Day'. This international event is being held during European Mobility Week, as a day when car drivers can try out different ways of making their journeys, ranging from public transport to cycling and walking. The event aims to highlight the benefits of using public transport, cycling and walking as more economical and healthy alternatives to driving; it also encourages public awareness of pollution and greenhouse gases emitted by motorised traffic and their contribution to local air quality and to climate change. For information about transport alternatives, see www.reading-travelinfo.co.uk MUSE Developments Muse has been formed following the acquisition of AMEC Developments by Morgan Sindall plc and will specialise in delivering complex mixed-use schemes throughout the UK. Muse will continue to deliver AMEC's portfolio of around 30 projects: either in its own right or through English Cities Fund (a partnership with English Partnerships and Legal & General). Muse has also replaced AMEC Developments as an active shareholder in Isis Waterside Regeneration. Muse will remain an independent UK company with considerable support from a leading well-funded FTSE 250 parent. Matt Crompton and Nigel Franklin will lead day to day management of the business as joint managing directors. Market Place Environmental Improvements Phase 1 works are almost complete, with the exception of:
Simeon Monument Refurbishment of the Simeon Monument will begin immediately after the completion of the main works. This will involve cleaning and repairing the stonework, railings and ironwork and replacing the three original lanterns. Phase 2 of the project has been brought forward from the planned start date of April 2008, to commence with immediate effect. This phase will see the continuation of new footway and carriageway surfaces and the installation of new street furniture to the following sections:
The works will be carried out by J Browne Construction and will be completed by 2 November this year. Representatives from Brownes will be contacting individual businesses to explain the construction programme in detail. New economic development champion for Reading Reading now has its own economic development company: Reading UK CIC will act as a Delivery Partner for the 2020 (Local Strategic) Partnership, to: promote and sustain the economic development of Reading to achieve sustainable prosperity for those that live, work, play, visit, do business and invest in the area. The Company has evolved from Reading's long established town centre partnership and is located at Davidson House, Forbury Square. Contact details are: Executive Director,
Tim Smith Destination Manager,
Sue Brackley Economic Development
Manager, Richard Byard BID Manager,
Neil Scott Reading UK CIC is a Community Interest Company, limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales: No. 5671172. Treasury review of sub-national economic development & regeneration The creation of a dedicated economic development company is especially timely, as HM Treasury has very recently published its review of sub-national economic development & regeneration. This states that regions and localities need greater flexibilities, powers and incentives to respond to economic change, to ensure that all areas, including the most deprived, are able to contribute to and benefit from economic growth. The Government proposes to:
Tour of Britain International cycling stars are heading to Reading for the second leg of the prestigious Tour of Britain race next month. The green light has been given to host the second stage of the race, which is Britain's top cycling event and attracts competitors from across the world, including stars from the Tour de France. The race takes place over seven days in September and follows on from the Tour de France. The second stage will start in Reading on 10 September from the Palmer Park Velodrome - one of only a few cycling tracks in the southeast. Highlights of the event will be screened on national TV – on the BBC – and this will give Reading prime time publicity, further raising its profile in the sporting world. For more information check out the website: www.tourofbritain.co.uk Planning An application has been lodged for the demolition of the existing building at 1-3 Greyfriar's Road and the change of use of the site from office use to residential (erection of 12 apartments). An application has been lodged for a "housing development" at 5–21 Tudor Road. The Day Tanner Partnership Ltd has lodged an application to demolish the existing retail premises at 21 Caversham Road and erect a new building with a retail unit on the ground floor and nine flats over. Costa Ltd has lodged an application for external seating at 4 Butter Market. The Nationwide Building Society has lodged an application for a new external ATM, post box and entrance door for its building at 99 Broad Street. Permission has been granted to Greenwich Leisure Limited for the erection of a single storey extension to the rear of the existing Rivermead Leisure Centre, creating a new fitness gym and changing facilities. Investment & property Pinemace have let the first floor of 2-4 Kings Road to Randstad Work Solutions. The offices total 1840 sq ft with one parking space. The rent agreed is £17.50 psf pax, on a 15 year lease, with tenant breaks at the 5th and 10th years. Sustainable Supply Chains On Wednesday 19 September from 8am – 11:00am at The Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Madejski Stadium a conference will look at the ways in which supply chains can be developed to create more sustainable businesses. To book your place please email clare.wright@connectreading.co.uk or call 0118 959 1236. Compliance with requirements of SMOKEFREE legislation. Environmental Health Officers from Reading Borough Council report that they have received only a handful of complaints regarding smoking within substantially enclosed public places and workplaces, since the Smokefree legislation came into effect on 1 July. Currently signage is the major area of non-compliance with a small number of businesses still not displaying any signage in a prominent position at each entrance to their premises. Separate businesses within a Smokefree premises must also display the smaller European 'no smoking' symbol at each entrance. Additionally, the most common signage non-compliance relates to the prominent position' requirement. Many businesses either:
In order to comply effectively with this requirement signs should be positioned on the entrance door at a level that is between half way and eye level, oriented so that members of the public can see them when approaching the premises; the intention being that smokers cease smoking before entering the premises. Should businesses have any queries regarding the requirements of the Smokefree legislation please contact Marcus Herbert, Team Leader (Health & Safety) at Reading Borough Council on (0118) 9390460. In Marcus's absence please ask for the Environmental Health Duty Officer. Forbury Band Concerts These take place every Sunday throughout August at the Forbury Gardens Bandstand. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon listening to local bands. Entry is free. Reading Festival Reading is home to this famous three day music festival, renowned worldwide for the biggest and best acts. Check the website for the latest line up news: www.meanfiddler.com. The Festival takes place this year from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 August at the Festival Site, Richfield Avenue. Heritage Open Days As part of Heritage Open Days events, buildings of historical and architectural interest will open their doors to enable visitors to learn more about their rich history, from 6 to 9 September. Entry is free and brochures will be available in early August. More information is available at 0118 939 0771. Tim Smith This newsletter
is for general information only. Whilst it is
believed to be |
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