Residents Voice Concerns Over New Logistics Hub

Residents can quiz developers about a huge logistics hub planned on the outskirts of Reading at an open meeting.

The site at Shinfield Park was once home to Berkshire County Council's brutalist Shire Hall, built in 1981 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II. The building was demolished last year.

Owners Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate won permission last October for five logistics buildings, but neighbours worry about extra traffic and disturbance. The site is in Shinfield ward, under Wokingham Borough Council.

Councillor Andrew Gray has called a meeting so people can ask the developers directly. He said: "I have arranged an open meeting with the developers of the Shire Hall site at Shinfield Park so residents can ask questions about the development and get face to face answers about any concerns they have."

This will be particularly of interest to residents on Shinfield Park estate.

He added: "The meeting is on Friday, October 23 at 10am and is likely to be held on site. Please can you let me know if you would like to attend so I can give Wrenbridge expected numbers."

Cllr Gray announced it on his Facebook page and said: "If you can't attend but have questions you would like me to ask on your behalf, drop me a message or a comment." You can also contact him via Wokingham Borough Council's website.

Demolition by Collins finished last year and MCS Build took over the site in March. Construction Map says the building contract runs until May 2027.

There were concerns about a memorial bench for council worker Chris Whitton, 26. Wrenbridge Sport's director Jessica Gavaghan said the bench would be given to his sister Emma Patey before demolition and reinstalled after redevelopment.

A council planning officer judged trips from the logistics hub would not harm traffic, noting traffic was higher when the building was used as offices. The approved plans can be seen on Wokingham's planning portal under reference 250415.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter