How has Reading’s demographic changed from 2001 to 2021? (Census data)
2001 - around 1 in 8 born outside UK
2021 - over 1 in 4 born outside UK
Population grew by over 20%
What artistic sources represent Reading?
Photography of Reading Festival
Photograph of the Oracle for promotional content
What changes has the Reading Station area seen and what impacts has this had?
- Station upgrade completed in 2015 led to passenger numbers increasing by over 60%, with through-platform capacity increasing by 125%
- Elizabeth line completion in 2023 led to 80% increase in passenger demand
- Station hill redevelopment worth £850 million, creating 1300 new homes alongside over 600,000 sq ft of office space, almost 100,000 ft of leisure space, light mural show makes development specific to Reading
What impact has Green Park had?
- Attracting high skill tech workers - Virgin 02 and Three UK locate here
- Green Park railway station opened in 2023 - improves access for workers
How is Reading BID trying to make Reading less placeless?
- Investing in visible aesthetic elements to improve the look and feel of the town centre - quite generic
- Runs high profile events like Diwali processions - not very unique.
What is an example of counter-urbanisation for Reading?
Pangbourne
How have residents of Pangbourne opposed change in the countryside?
They signed petitions to oppose developments on Pangbourne Hill to avoid increases in congestion and pollution. Also to protect agricultural farmland
What are the characteristics of Pangbourne?
- High property prices
- Professionals and commuters (Reading, Oxford, London)
- Retirees seeking rural lifestyle
- Luxury car shops - Lamborghini
- Less close knit community, boat club
- Quiet during the day - workers commute
Outline displays in Reading Museum which are qualitative sources
- Display of Huntley and Palmers Posters for Burma and China in 1910
- Importance of biscuits in Reading, importance of global links for trade and Reading’s economy
- Display of ingredients used to make Cock’s Reading Sauce
- Includes chillies from West Indies, Bay Leaves from India, Salt from France, Soy Sauce from China
Outline cultural homogenisation in Reading
Ranked 2nd most clone town in UK in 2010
