ALMOST six years after planning permission was granted, a 765-home development is nearing completion, and last week celebrated a milestone.
Huntley Wharf is being constructed on the site of the former Toys R Us and Homebase stores in Kenavon Drive.
The stores were demolished, and a series of new apartment blocks began.
Last week, developers Berkeley Group held a celebration event to mark the creation of a public open space in the new area, which gives access to the nearby River Kennet.
It includes water fountains as an attraction.
The mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, was on hand to declare the area open.
“It was my privilege to be invited by Berkeley Homes to formally open the new Riverside Square at Huntley Wharf,” he said.
“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.”
Elkie Russell, managing director of Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern), said: “We were honoured to be joined by our development partners, the London & Quadrant housing association (L&Q), in welcoming The Mayor, fellow councillors, representatives from REDA, and our valued Huntley Wharf residents, 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.”
Planning permission for Huntley Wharf was granted in January 2018, with work starting in July 2019. The first residents moved in in April last year. Its name is inspired by the Huntley & Palmer biscuit factory which used to sit on the site.
So far, around 400 new homes have been built and all 230 of the affordable apartments have been handed over to L&Q.
The development includes retail space, with a Tesco Express expected to open in 2025, with a licensing application permitting the firm to sell alcohol approved in October.
A nursery opened in August, and there is one unit completed but unoccupied.
