The development, being undertaken by the Berkeley Group, has seen the old SSE power station in Vastern Road demolished, with construction taking place to build 209 flats.
Work on the project, called ‘Reading Riverworks’, began in October 2024, and much progress has been made.
CGIs released by Berkeley Group give a glimpse of what it will look like once complete.
The seven apartment blocks will be situated immediately north of Christchurch Bridge, providing a convenient pedestrian and cycle link over the River Thames.
What Reading Riverworks will look like across the River Thames in Caversham once it is complete. (Image: Berkeley Group)
Balconies at ‘Christchurch Wharf’ and other buildings will provide uninterrupted views across the River Thames to Christchurch Meadows.
Inside, future occupants will be able to make use of spacious open-plan kitchen and living quarters.
A Berkeley spokesperson said: “Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise natural light, while private balconies provide residents with their own outdoor vantage point over the water.
“Each apartment has been thoughtfully designed with modern living in mind, featuring open-plan layouts and energy-efficient design throughout.
“Finished to Berkeley’s exacting standards, the high specification, contemporary homes feature custom-designed, two-tone kitchens, with modern handleless doors, accentuated by a matt black sink and single lever mixer tap, along with a full range of appliances.
The open plan kitchen and living room at one of the Reading Riverworks apartments created at the old power station in Vastern Road. (Image: Berkeley Group)
“Bedrooms feature ‘soft to the touch’ carpeting, and modern bathrooms are highlighted by black-framed shower screens.”
The project comes as Reading has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, emerging as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub with a thriving tech sector, a diverse retail and dining scene, and access to beautiful riverside walks and countryside.
Berkeley Group is encouraging buyers, downsizers and investors to take a look around as the next phase of the development, called ‘Thames Reach’, which features 55 apartments, and enjoys one of the most sought-after positions within the development.
Thames Reach will be launched on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday March 22, from 10am to 4pm at the Reading Riverworks Marketing Suite.
More than 60 per cent of the first phase of the development has been sold.
While Berkeley has been making progress on Reading Riverworks, it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the project.
The first iteration of the development was rejected by Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee in April 2021, with disputes over walking and cycling links to the town centre.
This decision was later overturned by the planning inspectorate in March 2022, with inspector Andrea Mageean ruling in favour of the delivery of housing on a brownfield site with a highly sustainable town‑centre location.
Post-Grenfell fire regulations introduced in 2023 forced a redesign, which was subsequently approved by councillors at a meeting in March 2024.
A neighbour in Lynmouth Road accused contractors of causing damage to his £30,000 conservatory later that year.
Builders accused of damaging a neighbour’s £30k conservatory
At the time, a representative offered to meet with him to arrange a resolution.
Councillors also decided to call a street created by the development ‘Bet Tickner Way’ to honour the former councillor and 2006/7 mayor.
The developer’s suggestions of Electric Avenue and Albury Way were rejected.
