A TIME capsule containing a collection of items commemorating contemporary Reading has been put in place to mark the opening of the new public realm in the town centre.
Station Hill has marked its official opening with a ceremony which included the burial of a time capsule featuring sketches from the projects architects alongside memorabilia created by children from Civitas Academy.
Some of the drawings show how the schoolchildren envisaged Reading of the future in the 2020s, many of which were subsequently incorporated into the displays which form part of the site hoardings.
The capsule has been designed to be opened in 2060, more than a generation later when those children who contributed to the capsule’s contents or participated in the ceremony to put it in place will be approaching their sixth decade.
Throughout Station Hill’s evolution, developer Lincoln MGT has engaged with children from a number of local schools through a series of workshops, in collaboration with local arts charity Jelly, to help them understand more about the construction process and materials used.
Previously, Lincoln MGT teamed up with Jelly, Year 5 pupils at Civitas Academy, and artist Kit Yan Chong to take part in a range of creative workshops as part of the project’s community engagement programme.
As well as more than 50 Year 5 students representing Civitas Academy at the time capsule ceremony, residents from the Ebb&Flow residential development and tenants from the ONE Station Hill office building also attended.
Among the attendees were Cllr Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, and members and officers from the Council, alongside representatives from organisations including the Reading Civic Society, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, and the Public Art Advisory Group, which collaborated with Lincoln MGT.
Cllr Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “The burying of a time capsule at Station Hill
by schoolchildren from Civitas Academy is a fitting way to mark the completion of what is a major regeneration development for Reading.
“There has been an enthusiastic response to the new Station Hill from local residents and businesses, in particular the public square and accompanying artwork, which has delivered not only a destination in its own right, but a new front door which is befitting of the town.
“While the world, and indeed Reading, may look very different in 35 years when the time capsule is re-opened again, I’m sure the impressive new Station Hill development is one which will stand the test of time for many decades to come.”
Alex Aitchison, Manging Director of Lincoln Property Company and on behalf of the Lincoln MGT Joint Venture said: “Our vision for Station Hill has always been one of long-term transformation, regenerating the town centre and creating a new statement ‘front door’ that people living and working in Reading could be proud of.
“It is a clear testament to this vision that Station Hill is already a place which members of the local community can connect with on a daily basis.
“This time capsule helps to showcase young, local talent, including rubbings of materials on-site by Year 5 Civitas Academy students and drawings imagining what Reading town centre might look like in the future.
“It also serves as a clear reminder of the role of Station Hill – past and present – in the wider development of Reading but – more importantly – the huge impact we believe it will have on regenerating and transforming the town in the future.
“It is incredible to think that the children who created these drawings will be approaching 50 years old when the capsule is due to be opened.
He explained: “We are extremely grateful to the support we have received over the years from all members of local community and business organisations, in particular the participation of schools like Civitas Academy in helping to create a genuine link between today’s generation of young people in Reading.
“We’re all looking forward to 2060 and the unlocking of an amazing moment in time – captured and sealed for so many years – when the capsule is opened up once more and its contents shared.”
