The new Elizabeth Line, which boosts Reading’s national profile for tourists, businesses, workers and residents, has been nominated for Putting Reading on the Map.
REDA, Reading’s Economic and Destination Agency, said: “The new line makes Reading, with its many cultural, heritage and retail experiences, an easy-to-reach new day trip leisure destination from London on the banks of the River Thames and Kennett and Avon Canal.
“The line also seamlessly links Reading to the major business centres of The City, Docklands and the West End and makes Reading a brilliantly connected location for one- to two-day business meetings and conferences.”
Nigel Horton-Baker, chief executive of REDA, said: “The completion of the final phase of the Elizabeth Line project is a great achievement and is part of Reading’s 2050 Vision to become a smart and sustainable city of the future.
“The seamless transport link will bolster Reading’s position as a major commercial destination connected to the UK’s capital and global financial centres, as well as an exciting place to visit thanks to the short travel times and easy access via the Elizabeth Line.“
Reading is the western terminus of the new line, reachable on direct trains in just over an hour from central London. Services run from Abbey Wood in East London, stopping at Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street, as well as Paddington, among other stations before heading west from London to Reading.
Journey times from central London to Reading are just over an hour on the brand-new Elizabeth Line trains.
Any Londoner with a Freedom Pass will be able to use their pass to travel free of charge to Reading, making Reading a cheap day trip from the Capital.
For leisure visitors, Reading is a great green day out with many things to see and do within easy walking distance of Reading’s railway station including Thames river trips and walks, free museums and great shopping and dining.
For businesses looking for a well-connected venue for a business meeting or conference outside London, Reading has a great range of venues offering excellent day rates compared to London and many of which are a short walk from the station.
As one of the best-connected business locations in the country, Reading provides the perfect location to base a business, with easy access to the City and Canary Wharf via the Elizabeth Line, as well as connections to Heathrow Airport and all points of the compass via mainline services.
Relocating businesses will be joining the likes of Microsoft, Oracle, Bayer and PepsiCo who have their offices in Reading.
