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An image of how One Reading Cental will look when the artwork is installed later this year
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Iconic artwork at One Reading Central

By Paul Robins
September 23, 2009

Reading's largest ever office development is set to make a stunning impact when it opens for business early next year.

This breathtaking 38 metre tall public artwork will scale the height of One Reading Central, soon to be the new home of Yell.

The floral design has been created by renowned London architect Graham Jones and will be visible for miles around.

Business Post was the first to be given a tour of the 217,000 sq ft building under construction on the corner of Vastern Road.

“The scale of this artwork is a first for Reading,” said Leigh Thomas, associate director at developer Kier Property.

“While the building itself is already changing the skyline of the town, the artwork will transform the approach to Reading on the train and from Caversham.

“Both the building and the artwork will become iconic features of Reading’s success and stature as an important business hub outside of London.”

It is one of the many unique touches which will set the ultra-modern glass complex apart, including extra large floorplates and a stunning central atrium.

Directories giant Yell has signed a 20-year lease on seven of the 10 storeys and will bring in their own team of designers to complete the fit-out once developers Kier and Invista finish their work by Christmas.

And Nick Coote, head of agent Lambert Smith Hampton, said the building’s stunning design and location has generated significant interest in the 63,500 sq ft still available to let.

“The scale of the building is something you are most likely to have seen in the City rather than in a regional centre like Reading,” he said.

“There are lots of features that emphasise that, including a 10 storey atrium with wall climbing lifts which really are quite dramatic.

“It is wrapped in floor to ceiling glazing providing fantastic views across Reading. When the building is finished and lit, it will be quite a stunning sight and really take people aback.

“One Reading Central will really stand the test of time.

“It will make a real positive impact for Reading and be a symbol of Reading’s success as a business centre.”

One Reading Central will also boast the best environmental credentials in the town. It is on track to achieve a BREEAM environmental performance rating of ‘excellent’ on completion, which would make it Reading’s only new-build office development to carry this accolade.

Mr Coote said: “Occupiers are becoming more and more focused on how their buildings can contribute to productivity; this was just one of the considerations made by Yell when it began searching for its new HQ.

“When you consider the RICS report which claimed that an increase of just one per cent in employee productivity can nearly offset a company’s entire annual energy bill, it’s important that developers strive to make new schemes as sustainable as possible. A BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating will strengthen and really differentiate One Reading Central in the market.”

probins@reading-epost.co.uk