Large office building set for demolition

A huge brutalist office building is set to be demolished.

The Shire Hall office complex situated at the Shinfield Arms roundabout in Reading previously served as the offices of Berkshire County Council.

The county council was abolished in 1998 with engineering company Foster Wheeler taking over the building in 2000 and consultancy firm, Wood Plc, from 2017 to 2024.

Wokingham Borough Council, which has jurisdiction over the site, has given prior approval permission for demolition ahead of the redevelopment of the area.

Shire Hall was completed in 1981, with Queen Elizabeth II officially opening it the following year.

Last August it was announced that the building had been acquired by Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate after Wood relocated to nearby Green Park. The site has been sealed off since then.

The businesses intend to demolish the complex down to the basement level.

The demolition can only take place from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, according to the decision notice.

The project also involves the demolition of two bungalows and ancillary buildings.

Wrenbridge's director has promised to reinstate a memorial bench to former worker Chris Whitton once redevelopment works are completed.

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