trees and shrubs – and seating areas , punctuated by dramatic new sculptures and murals which welcome people to the town as they exit Reading station .
Cannon Ivers , Director , LDA Design , said : “ Station Hill creates a striking , contemporary gateway and celebrates the rich history of Reading . From the arrival at the station and across a new pedestrian bridge linking to the high street , the landscape and public realm welcomes people from all walks of life to Station Hill . Nature is in abundance with biodiverse planting and trees , while seating areas will create spaces for people to dwell and admire the public art and enjoy the playful water feature . Inspired by the ‘ Rivers of Reading ’, the public realm provides space for life to unfold for the growing community .”
The lighting design has been developed by dpa lighting consultants . It responds to the human experience , seeking to create a sense of place and belonging and encouraging the use of the public realm during the evening hours . As well as providing visitors to Station Hill with safety and security , the lighting also serves to highlight the architectural design of the neighbouring buildings , helping to express the overall character of the space as well as complement the dedicated lighting designed used for the new murals and sculptures . A curated palette of warm white light sources has been used , reinforcing the welcoming nature of the new public realm to visitors .
The specially-commissioned series of sculptures and murals , which have been delivered by predominantly local artists , collectively form an ‘ art trail ’ through the Station Hill estate and include :
The Friars Walk mural : ‘ Rivers , Ruins & Regency ’ depicting notable figures including King Henry I , who commissioned the construction of Reading Abbey and peace campaigner and politician Phoebe Cusden . It also highlights local icons including Huntley & Palmers biscuits , the World War II memorial cemetery and the Hand of St James
The Station Hill mural : ‘ Royals , Residents & a Rock Festival ’ featuring celebrities like Kate Winslet , Ricky Gervais , Kate Middleton and Marianne Faithfull , alongside local figures such as businesswoman Tutu Melaku and Neil Papworth , sender of the first-ever SMS message
‘ Seed ’ sculpture , referencing Sutton ’ s Seeds and 19th Century Reading , merging botany , history and image microscopy . It sits on a plinth honouring Reading ’ s brickmaking heritage and its surface is embellished with nine bronze reliefs of magnified seed textures , chosen through a public engagement programme
‘ Pivotal ’, forming a monumental kinetic artwork outside ONE Station Hill , inspired by flags and symbolising a bright and creative era for Reading . It is comprised of more than 70 brightly coloured fins , each with a surface that moves in the wind , creating a dynamic and everchanging display during the day and at night
The colours of the two murals will shift and animate throughout the year to celebrate different events , providing a dynamic , ever-evolving visual experience . These works are part of the Station Hill public art programme , devised by cultural placemaking agency Futurecity . The public realm and artworks represent an investment of £ 1.5 million by Lincoln MGT and provide a new ‘ gateway ’ destination in the heart of Reading . Detailed insights into how each artwork has been produced will be available via dedicated QR codes on adjacent plinths , as well as through the recently relaunched Station Hill website : www . stationhill . co . uk .
Lee Fearnhead , Director of Construction for UK & Europe at Lincoln Property Company , and on behalf of the Lincoln MGT JV , said : “ This newly-landscaped area was a previously a derelict , inaccessible site for the best part of 20 years . We have transformed it into a series of attractive open spaces which everyone in Reading can enjoy . Not only does it establish a gateway to the town ; it helps to create an area open 24 / 7 where people working or living in Reading can meet and relax .
“ In the wider context of the Station Hill redevelopment , Lincoln MGT has already invested around £ 50 million into social infrastructure and landscaping as well as lifestyle-led retail and leisure space . It provides an opportunity to experience Reading ’ s rich cultural heritage as well as instilling a sense of local pride .”
In addition to the new public realm , the ONE Station Hill commercial development and a fast-growing selection of predominantly local retailers ( including Siren Craft Brew ), Station Hill also includes the 598-home Ebb & Fow residential development across two buildings which was competed last year and which already provides a range of market and affordable rental homes – including studios , 1-bed , 2-bed , 2-bed duplexes and 3-bed apartments for more than 1,650 residents . Completed in the Summer of 2024 , Ebb & Flow has already set a benchmark in the wide-ranging demands for town centre living from younger professionals to working families with more than 75 per cent leased by the end of last year . Ebb & Flow has been recognised by HomeViews as the ‘ Best place to live in Reading ’. It also achieved a Top Three ranking in ‘ Best place to live in the Southeast of England ’ in HomeViews ’: ‘ A guide to living in Southeast England ’.
www . Ebb-and-Flow . co . uk
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