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One Reading Central was hailed a “symbol of the future” when it officially opened yesterday
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One Reading Central a ‘symbol of the future’

By Paul Robins
February 12, 2010

Reading's largest ever office development was hailed a “symbol of the future” when it officially opened yesterday.

Sitting on the corner of Forbury Road, One Reading Central houses a whopping 217,000 sq ft of ultra-modern office space over 10 storeys.

Yell’s new headquarters has taken just over two years to build at a cost of £90 million and looks set to transform Reading’s skyline forever.

getreading joined local property agents and representatives from developer Kier Property for the official opening event.

Leigh Thomas, associate director at Kier, said: “We are extremely proud of this project. We have created an iconic building which really puts Reading on the map.

“It provides the highest quality office space in a great location.

“The building has everything that occupiers require – large floorplates, great green credentials and ample car parking.

“I believe it will stand the test of time and be a significant landmark in this town.”

It’s certainly hard to miss – boasting a breathtaking 38 metre tall floral artwork which scales its height and can be seen for miles around. It is one of the many unique touches which sets the glass complex apart, including a stunning central atrium.

Directories giant Yell has signed a 20-year lease on seven floors and is preparing to bring in its own team of designers next month to complete the fit-out.

This will include a reception area, health club and restaurant which doubles as an auditorium.

The move is set to be the most high profile relocation in Reading in recent memory, with 1,300 workers leaving their historic bases in Queens Walk – Yell’s home for 23 years – and Bridge Street Plaza, plus another 50 from Slough, in September.

Yell spokeswoman Demelza Fryer-Saxby said: “It has been exciting watching such a landmark building take shape, we have now taken possession of Yell’s floors and our fit out will start in the next few weeks.

“Yell is a 21st Century business and we require a 21st Century building. One Reading Central will provide the ultimate workplace for our people, under one roof.”

One Reading Central also has the best environmental credentials in the town, having achieved a BREEAM environmental performance rating of ‘excellent’ – the only new-build office development in Reading to carry this accolade.

And Nick Coote, head of property agents Lambert Smith Hampton, which is marketing the remaining space, said the building’s stunning design has generated a number of enquiries into the 63,500 sq ft still available to let.

“We have had very significant interest so we are hopeful that a deal may be done soon,” he said.

“This building is a symbol of the future. It’s wrapped in floor to ceiling glazing providing fantastic views across Reading.

“When it is lit up at night, it will be quite a stunning sight. It will make a real positive impact for Reading.”

probins@reading-epost.co.uk

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The only thing which is missing is a sign 'Intervention Board'

Nimrod Maximus
15/02/2010 at 11:48

Vastern Road does go as far as that roundabout just outside this place where it then becomes Forbury Road. It's just a shame that the symbol of the future is so damn ugly!

Monkey, Katesgrove
12/02/2010 at 23:39

Must have been a fantastic exotic trip out for the reporter. There and back in an hour?

reynard, calcot
12/02/2010 at 21:22

This building is a wasted opportunity for such a high-profile location. It is Sixties bland in a 21st Century sort of way. I thought we long since stopped giving planning permission for buildings like this. As for the "breathtaking 38 metre tall floral artwork which scales its height"....it's just a giant sticker. At least it can be peeled off I suppose which is more than can be said for the building itself when we get bored of it in 2015.

Poldrieve, Caversham
12/02/2010 at 21:03

On the corner of Vastern Road?????????????

Shazza, Reading
12/02/2010 at 15:49

I'm sorry, but this story has "Press Release" written all over it.

Dr Crappen
12/02/2010 at 14:43

I thought the Blade was the iconic, state of the art, BREEMA - excellent rated building that will set Reading on the map. These are really exciting times.

But hey, this building means another one empty! What is there to say; Iconic and ultra-modern or superlatively lost for words?

At least Yellow Pages is still in Reading.