Kennet Island Village, Reading

Client: St James Homes

Role: Architecture, Masteplanning and Landscape Architecture

The redevelopment of a former sewage works site in Reading - creating a desirable new sustainable community.

The 28 hectare site is located in the Lower Kennet Valley in the southwest of Reading Borough. The mixed use sustainable settlement extension comprises 850 dwellings, 11,150m² of B1 office space, a 200 bed hotel, community centre, local shops and a public house. The residential density increases around the central square at the heart of the development where there is a focus on community facilities and shops.

PRP developed an architectural language that met the aspirations of the local authority for good contemporary buildings and the client’s desire to build a well designed and popular new urban quarter.

Houses flank each side of the orthogonal shaped blocks with L-shaped blocks of flats at corners to make good use of land, provide a sense of enclosure and create an urban character. The continuity of building around the edge forms a perimeter block layout with a clear demarcation between the public realm on the street side and private realm to the rear accommodating the back gardens.

Cars are parked on the street and in discreet mews areas in the centre of the blocks.