Thames Quarter

Location
Reading
Client
Watkin Jones
Value
£50m
Completion
2021
Size
315 apartments
  • Winner

    Build to Rent / Private Rental Sector

    FX* Design Awards 2022

A striking Build-to-Rent scheme on a prominent city centre site in Reading.

Stride Treglown was appointed to deliver Thames Quarter, a large Build-to-Rent scheme on a prominent site in the centre of Reading. Comprising of a 12-storey main block with an additional 23-storey tower, the scheme incorporates 315 apartments and associated communal and operational facilities for residents.

Although the scheme had already received planning permission, our client required significant modifications to the internal layout and to some external elements which necessitated a Non-Material Change application. This was undertaken whilst proceeding with the detailed construction design.

The scheme sits in a highly desirable location. It is adjacent to the railway station with frequent connections into London, making the scheme appealing to commuters. It also sits opposite a riverside park and is just a short walk to the main shopping precinct. There is significant demand for this type of accommodation and our client wished to clearly differentiate the quality of facilities offered compared to the local rental market.

The development provides high-quality, fully managed accommodation with several shared communal areas designed to reinforce a sense of community for residents. These spaces include a lounge with several different activity zones including tv areas, refreshment facilities and a shuffleboard. A business area provides space for home working whilst a cinema room, bookable private dining room and a double level gym are perfect for downtime.

The lounge space has large, glazed screens which fold away completely to open onto two large roof gardens. The space can accommodate gatherings of up to 200 people.

Our interior design concept for the communal areas was inspired by the River Thames and the activities it attracts, such as rowing. The colour scheme includes a material palette that gives a nod to both Reading’s industrial heritage and organic forms of the river, through vibrant colours and textured patterns.

The scheme completed in summer 2021.