Reading Borough Council and Glenman Corporation are delighted to be working in partnership to deliver more affordable homes to the residents in Reading, through a development on the Wensley Road estate. Preparatory works commenced on site in summer 2021, and the project will deliver 46 new affordable homes, three car parks and a new play area for local children.

Designed by HTA Design LLP, the site has been arranged to integrate the new homes to complement the three existing towers and create urban design improvements through integrated on-street parking.

At the centre of the site is a community play and landscape space set within the existing mature trees. Existing and new homes will overlook the central space and routes to wider neighbourhood connections are being enhanced across the site.

Wensley Road is a regeneration scheme that will deliver high quality, sustainable homes and lead the way in making Reading Borough Council’s new housing stock carbon neutral.  Aligned to Passivhaus principles, the development incorporates low/zero-carbon-energy technologies, and minimises heating requirements and overheating risk through passive design.

Micheál Conneally, Contracts Director at Glenman Corporation said ‘We would like to thank Reading Borough Council for appointing us as main contractor for the Wensley Road development.  The scheme is a significant project in demonstrating our expertise in building sustainably to Passivhaus standards and providing local residents with much needed homes to live and open external spaces for them to enjoy.’

As part of Glenman’s commitment to social value, the team have already worked with a local tree surgeon to make the best use of unused wood chippings which have been donated to the local community.   The site team have also been successful in employing local people on site.

Cllr Ellie Emberson, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Housing, said: “We are making a significant investment in the Wensley Road estate through the building of new homes and improvements to the high rises. There are exciting times ahead for local residents with these new housing options and better play facilities for children, whilst also helping Reading towards its net-zero carbon target”.