A Walk Through the New Reading Neighbourhood Taking Shape by the River

A new neighbourhood is rising by the Thames in central Reading, turning a former power station site into a walkable riverside community. Just minutes from the station and town centre, it offers green space, strong connections and solid investment potential - all without London’s price tag.

Jessica Wei

August 1, 2025

A Walk Through the New Reading Neighbourhood Taking Shape by the River

Reading’s riverside is changing. Not with sweeping slogans or gimmicks, but with considered design, strong connections, and a focus on how people actually live. Just a few minutes' walk from Reading Station, a new neighbourhood is beginning to take shape, one that’s directly connected to the River Thames, the town centre and the rest of the South East.

It’s a part of Reading that has always had potential. Now it’s finally being put to good use.

Aerial view of Reading showing Christchurch Bridge crossing the River Thames with new riverside homes and green parkland

From Power Station to Public Footpath

This site isn’t starting from scratch. For most of the 20th century, it was home to Reading’s coal-fired power station. Its location made perfect sense - close to the railway for deliveries and to the river for cooling the turbines.

Today, it’s being reimagined with homes, landscaped spaces and new routes to the town centre. A wide, tree-lined avenue now runs from Christchurch Bridge to the station, creating a quiet, walkable connection that links riverside green spaces with the busy centre of town. This green corridor is central to the neighbourhood, with places to sit, walk and cycle, and no need to choose between town and nature.

Black and white aerial photograph of the original Vastern Road power station site in Reading, labelled with coal storage and turbine hall locations

Close to the Things That Matter

One of the main draws here is how close everything is. Reading Station is less than five minutes on foot. From there, London Paddington is just 23 minutes by train, and the Elizabeth Line connects directly to the West End, the City and Canary Wharf.

Walk in the other direction and you’re in the town centre in under 10 minutes. The Oracle has over 80 shops, cafés and restaurants. There’s also Broad Street Mall, John Lewis and Forbury Gardens – all within easy reach.

Even on a slow day, you’re well placed for simple pleasures: a coffee from Gail’s Bakery on the way back from a run along the river, or a swim at Thames Lido just a few streets away.

Evening shoppers walking towards The Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading

Nature and Water on the Doorstep

If you're coming from London, the green space here might surprise you. Christchurch Meadows is just over the bridge, with a paddling pool, play area and open fields. King’s Meadow is a short walk along the river. Even on busy weekdays, the Thames gives this part of Reading a quiet energy.

For something more active, you’re not short of options. Caversham Lakes, Reading Sailing Club and the University Boat Club are all nearby. Paddleboarding and rowing have grown in popularity too, with local clubs open to beginners.

People relaxing in the outdoor heated pool at Thames Lido, Reading, surrounded by Victorian architecture and modern glass-fronted restaurant

Group of people getting ready for paddleboarding and kayaking on the River Thames near Reading on a sunny day

Designed With a Sense of Place

This isn’t just a collection of buildings. The new homes sit on either side of a shared central space, with buildings named after parts of the original power station, a small but thoughtful link to the site’s past. The architecture takes cues from Reading’s older brick warehouses and industrial buildings, using a mix of materials that feels authentic, not forced.

The focus is clearly on usability. The homes include private balconies or terraces, good storage, and practical layouts. Sustainability also features throughout, with communal heating, energy-efficient fittings, and rainwater harvesting for the landscaped areas.

If you’re cycling, walking or using public transport, the setup works. Bike storage, car charging points and walkable routes come as standard. For drivers, the M4 is just 12 minutes away, with Heathrow Airport reachable in under 40 minutes by car or train.

Reading Riverworks - new riverside apartment buildings in Reading, showing brick facades, balconies and green public walkway by the Thames

Reading’s Direction of Travel

It’s not just this development that’s seeing investment. Station Hill, just across the road, is undergoing a £750 million transformation, adding new offices, public space and homes. And there’s growing demand to match: 32% of households in Reading rent privately – well above the South East average – and rents rose by 11% in 2024 alone.

With an average flat in Reading priced around £235,000 (compared to £432,000 in London), the numbers appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors. And with businesses like Microsoft,Oracleand Huawei and Huawei nearby, demand is likely to remain steady.

Connectivity map showing train and car travel times from Reading to London, Oxford, Heathrow and more

Something Practical, Something Thoughtful

This part of Reading isn’t trying to be flashy. It doesn’t need to. The value here lies in how things work: good transport, nearby schools, space to walk, shops within reach and the river always in view. Whether you're looking to invest, move out of London, or simply live somewhere with good connections and green space, this neighbourhood offers something balanced, without trying too hard.

If you're curious, it’s worth walking it yourself. Sometimes the best way to understand a place is to see how it feels on foot.