First phase of new multi-million pound redeveloped Civic Centre opens

Reading Borough Council will welcome residents and visitors through the doors of a redesigned, state-of-the-art Civic Centre on Bridge Street from Monday, 26 January.

The multi-million-pound transformation and creation of a new Central Library, made possible in part through Government funding, marks a bold new chapter for the heart of our town.

Customers will enter through revolving doors into an impressive double-height atrium, which is the gateway to essential services such as housing, adult and children’s social care, our new Register Office, public meetings and later this year, Reading’s brand-new Central Library.

The Civic Centre will feature a digital check-in service, modern and accessible customer facilities, making it easier than ever for residents to get things done. Devices and support are also available to complete tasks online where services can be accessed quickly and conveniently.

The building will continue to be the home of Reading’s Registration Service, where residents can register a birth or death, give notice to marry or form a civil partnership, or hold small ceremonies in the Register Office.

The Council Chamber and committee rooms are also accessible for residents attending public meetings.

The newly redesigned reception marks the completion of the first phase of a wider programme of major cultural improvements in the town centre. A bespoke Central Library is currently under construction within the Civic Centre and will move from Abbey Square later this year, offering a modern space for reading, study, and community activities.

This transformation was made possible in part by funding from the Government’s Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government and aims to enhance Reading’s cultural offer. Alongside the Central Library, the creation of the new Studio Theatre, next to The Hexagon is also underway.

The redesign and refurbishment of the Civic Centre sets the stage for a vibrant, modern hub at the heart of Reading.

Reading Borough Council Leader, Councillor Liz Terry, said: “This is the first stage of providing brand-new cultural offerings to the town.

“The new reception will benefit residents who want to come into the Civic Centre to talk to us about something, attend a meeting or use the Register Office.

“There is technology available to carry out tasks, and staff to help, if necessary.

“We are optimising the space available on-site to provide improved facilities and services for our residents and staff.

“This entrance is in the same place as it was just over 12 months ago; it just looks a little bit different and is extremely impressive.

“I would like to thank residents for their patience in having to use different entrances for different services over the past year.

“I hope getting back to normal and being able to access all our services through the one main entrance will make it easier for everyone who has to come to the Civic Centre.”

The redesigned reception and Reading’s new Central Library have been built by our partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.

The Central Library is set to open later this year, and the Studio Theatre build is underway next to The Hexagon, which will open in 2027.