READING Borough Council have voted in favour of a £500 million development around Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium.
The planning committee last night passed plans for a new convention centre, new homes and further retail, leisure and hotel space, with extra investment in cheaper public transport to and from games and the area in general.
A 28,000sq m convention centre is at the heart of the development, known as The International, which will host concerts and conferences among other events, with capacity of 6,000.
A new ice rink is also part of the plans both for leisure and competitive sport use.
Over 600 homes will be created as part of Royal Elm Park with 1,000 new jobs and an 18,000sq m public space with talks ongoing over increased train links to London and beyond from 2019, with a new train station at Green Park.
“This is a huge boost for Reading,” said Royals chief executive Nigel Howe.
“It will deliver a step change in the city’s ability to host international, large-scale conferences and events, which the business community here has long sought.
“But the scheme delivers more than that.
“It delivers a new and reinvigorated destination for businesses and the Reading community, and will significantly enhance the match-day experience for our supporters, the driving force behind the club’s success.
“Royal Elm Park is emblematic of the city’s vision for the future and will play a significant role in driving new and enhanced inward investment, which will underpin the regional economy going forward.”