University of Reading reveals garden village plan
Nearly four thousand homes could be built just south of Reading
Last updated 11th Mar 2025
Details for a huge ‘Garden Village’ consisting of nearly 4,000 homes between Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham have been revealed.
Plans are moving ahead to use the Hall Farm site, owned by the University of Reading and south of the M4 motorway, for some 3,930 homes.
The project is being spearheaded by the University of Reading in partnership with Hatch Farm Land and Gleeson Land.
Key features of the garden village include:
· Creation of the largest new Country Park in Wokingham. Larger than the nearby Dinton Pastures, the new 200-hectare (490 acre) park will be connected to existing green spaces, including others managed by the University of Reading, creating an extensive linked network of footpaths, open space and wildlife habitats.
· Two new primary schools and a new secondary school. Close to significant museum and cultural collections, and future skills and research-based employment, the scheme can positively impact education and skills in the community.
· A hub for businesses of all sizes, including an expansion of the successful Thames Valley Science Park, alongside new small and medium-sized employment spaces, shops, offices, and live/work units within the village.
· A focus on sustainability, through energy-efficient new homes and community spaces, renewable power generation and on-site energy storage. No development will occur within the floodplain, which will be restored and improved. Site-wide drainage measures will further reduce the impact of future flood events.
· Three new neighbourhood centres with new shops, all-weather sports pitches, community facilities, and healthcare facilities.
· Approximately 2,700 new homes by 2040, with up to 40% designated for below-market rent or shared ownership. This includes opportunities for residents to build their own homes, as well as First Homes (discounted homes for first-time buyers in Wokingham). Specialist accommodation for older people will also be provided to cater to all age groups.
· Extensive improvements to road, cycle, bus, and pedestrian connections, including a new link over the M4 motorway to Lower Earley Way with additional lane on Lower Earley Way, a new link to Hatch Farm Way and improvements to other neighbouring roads and a new half-hourly bus service connecting the site to Wokingham and Reading town centres and railway stations.
Local plan
The site has been earmarked for development in Wokingham Borough Council’s emerging local plan for housing, which was approved by councillors in September. The plan is currently seeking final approval from a government inspector.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:
“The University of Reading and Hall Farm have been an important part of the local community for more than a century. We want Loddon Garden Village to have a positive impact for local people and our environment, providing sustainable housing alongside the necessary facilities and infrastructure, while helping us expand our agricultural work. We believe this is a well-considered scheme, which also supports our aims to make Reading and Wokingham a global centre for the study of food and farming for the century ahead.”
A spokesperson from Gleeson Land said the village would be a ‘vibrant place where people can enjoy working, living and leisure activities’.
Consultations
Residents are being invited to public consultations where they can have their say on the scheme. These are taking place at Shinfield School Green Centre on Saturday, March 22, at Meadow Suite at the University of Reading on Friday, March 28, and Arborfield Village Hall on Saturday, March 29.