READING, Reading Borough Council has signed a landmark development agreement with McLaren Living to deliver the £250 million regeneration of the Minster Quarter — a major mixed-use project set to transform one of Reading’s most prominent town centre sites.
The deal marks a key milestone in Reading’s long-standing ambition to revitalise the historic 5.2-acre site, formerly home to the Civic Centre, into a thriving new community featuring housing, retail, public spaces, and cultural amenities.
Under the agreement, McLaren Living, a residential developer specialising in Build-to-Rent and Co-Living, will partner with the Council to deliver over 600 new homes, alongside commercial and leisure facilities, a community hub, and extensive public realm improvements.
Delivering a New Town Centre Destination
The £250 million ‘Minster Quarter’ scheme represents one of the most significant regeneration investments in Reading’s history. The plans include:
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Over 600 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable, spanning a mix of tenures.
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Around 40,000 sq. ft. of new commercial space, including workspace, retail, food and beverage outlets, and a 102-bed hotel.
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Creation of ‘Hexagon Square’, a new high-quality civic plaza providing a welcoming gateway to the town’s iconic Hexagon Theatre and the forthcoming Studio Theatre.
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A community hub designed to support local engagement and activities.
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A significant number of local jobs created post-construction.
The scheme aims to establish a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that blends homes, culture, and commerce within the heart of Reading. Improved pedestrian links and public spaces will connect the development to surrounding landmarks such as Reading Minster and the Charter Market on Hosier Street.
Plans also include upgrades to Dusseldorf Way, which will be transformed into a landscaped boulevard featuring trees, seating areas, and improved accessibility.
A Cornerstone of Reading’s Regeneration Strategy
The Minster Quarter redevelopment forms a central part of Reading Borough Council’s wider Minster Quarter Regeneration Area, which also includes the ongoing transformation of the Broad Street Mall, a project also led by McLaren Living. Together, the two schemes will deliver over 1,200 new homes in the town centre, alongside new commercial space and public amenities.
Council Leader Cllr Liz Terry described the partnership with McLaren Living as a defining moment for the town’s regeneration ambitions.
“This important milestone marks a significant step forward in the regeneration of the Minster Quarter. The Minster Quarter Central project, being delivered by the Council in partnership with McLaren Living represents an unprecedented opportunity to deliver one of the best located mixed-use development opportunities in the UK, right in the heart of Reading town centre.
“Our key aims throughout have been to secure urgently needed affordable housing for Reading, high quality public realm and a net zero development, in line with our wider net-zero ambitions. McLaren Living understand and share the Council’s vision for the site, with a strong commitment to social value and experience of working successfully in partnership to achieve outstanding quality development quality and with the potential to create a landmark destination.
“The Council has secured this landmark £250 million investment in economic, environmental and community benefits for the local population. This Council’s ethos is to ensure everybody in Reading can benefit from the town’s undoubted success, and the Minster Quarter Central project is the perfect example of how that can be achieved.
“We look forward to working in partnership with McLaren Living to bring these exciting plans to fruition and deliver lasting benefits for Reading over the coming years.”
Private and Public Partnership for a Sustainable Future
McLaren Living’s appointment reinforces Reading Borough Council’s strategy to work with private developers that share its long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive growth. The development will target net-zero standards in line with the Council’s environmental objectives, alongside delivering affordable housing and economic benefits for local residents.
Matthew Biddle, Managing Director of McLaren Living, said the company was proud to play a central role in reshaping the future of Reading’s town centre.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Reading Borough Council to deliver much needed housing and breathe new life and vibrancy into the Minster Quarter, which will build upon our recent planning consent for the neighbouring Broad Street Mall. Our ambitions are to create a re-invigorated retail and residential destination within a mixed-use neighbourhood, providing improved public realm and accessibility to Reading’s cultural Hexagon Centre.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners Reading Borough Council, stakeholders and the local community as we progress with our plans to deliver a new town centre quarter.”
Building on McLaren Living’s Expanding Portfolio
Founded in 2020, McLaren Living has established itself as a leading player in the UK’s Build-to-Rent and Co-Living markets, with a pipeline of over £1.4 billion across more than 3,500 homes nationwide. The company’s developments frequently include mixed-use regeneration projects in key urban centres.
In Reading, McLaren is already leading the Broad Street Mall redevelopment, which will bring forward 643 homes, 19,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure space, and improvements to the public realm, including an extension to the existing NHS Walk-In Centre.
The Minster Quarter scheme will build on this momentum, anchoring Reading’s position as one of the South East’s most dynamic and connected town centres
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