Reading: Station Hill development starts with The Biscuit Tin

Demolition on the Station Hill site in Reading town centre is now complete, and Tony Page, Reading council’s deputy leader and its lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, has officially opened the coffee shop and temporary events space, signalling the start of the new mixed-use development which, once complete, will comprise 930,000 sq ft of offices, alongside 150,000 sq ft of shops and over 450 homes.

Managed by Red Bean Coffee, The Biscuit Tin has been named in reference to the town’s industrial heritage. Constructed from two reclaimed shipping containers, it will have both indoor and outdoor seating.

Councillor Page said: “It’s a pleasure to look out from Reading Station and not be confronted by the grim view of the dilapidated old buildings on Station Hill which blighted the area for so long. People arriving by rail now receive a much more welcoming first impression of the town centre. I hope the new pop-up park will become a destination in its own right.”

Tim Shaw, manager at The Biscuit Tin, said: “With locally sourced food from top producers, every visit to Red Bean will be a memorable one. We also believe that there is a real synergy between excellent coffee and traditional beers and ciders, and we’re proud to stock locally-produced beverages from Tutts Clump Ciders and West Berkshire Brewery.”

Credit: CoStar