A33 Road Could Be Renamed After Madejski

A major road in Reading could be renamed John Madejski Way.

Sir John Madejski helped save Reading FC from liquidation when he became chairman in 1990, played a part in creating the stadium in 1998, served as chancellor of the University of Reading from 2007 to 2016 and helped fund the John Madejski Academy in Whitley.

That academy was renamed Hartland High School by the Greenshaw Trust in September last year, prompting calls to preserve Sir John's legacy.

Long‑serving councillor Tony Page put forward a proposal to give the A33 Relief Road Sir John's name and asked the council to begin the renaming process.

John Ennis, lead councillor for transport, welcomed the suggestion but said any street renaming must follow the council's Street Naming and Numbering Protocol, be approved by the planning applications committee and include consultation with councillors and local residents. Officers will prepare briefings and assess the implications, and other ways of recognising Sir John will be considered.

The request was also raised at the planning committee. Chair Cllr Jan Gavin said consultation must be carried out first, so the naming won't be debated at the next meeting. Mr Page has asked for a full report to be brought to the committee in June.

Mr Page noted Sir John turned 85 on 28 April and said it would be nice to complete the change while he is still with us; Cllr Gavin said the process should be handled promptly but thoroughly.

The football ground was renamed the Select Car Leasing Stadium in July 2021.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter