Reading Gaol

Futurecity was appointed by Reading Borough Council alongside project partners Deloitte and BDP Architects to devise a high-level vision and masterplan proposal to acquire the Grade II listed Reading Gaol building from the Ministry of Justice. The Grade II listed former Gaol site is an integral part of the Reading Abbey Scheduled Ancient Monument and its unique history is further enhanced through its role in the life of Oscar Wilde. The successful transformation of the site would allow the entire Abbey Quarter area to be a beacon of culture and heritage and a destination of national importance by enhancing and showcasing Reading’s tourism, heritage and cultural offer.

Over the eight-week masterplanning programme, Futurecity undertook a comprehensive research and engagement process – culminating in a half-day summit that brought together local MPs, developers, and cultural and community stakeholders to interrogate the emerging vision and explore opportunities to secure early-stage buy-in for the Council’s proposal.

The stakeholder engagement uncovered that the site could become a new magnetic community hub, drawing together Reading’s many cultural and community organisations to provide new platforms for cultural presentation and programming to those in underserved or under-represented communities. The vision created opportunities to invite Reading’s diverse audiences to engage with the Gaol site and its historic narratives – inviting discourse, residencies and programming that explores the issues experienced by marginalised communities. The vision recognised the significant history and impact the Gaol has had on the community whilst reclaiming that narrative and transforming the site into a platform for new narratives in literature, performance and cultural production.

Working with Savills and BDP Architects, Futurecity mapped out the potential for cultural use of the site – from heritage exhibition through a new interactive visitor centre to new spaces for affordable cultural workspace. The masterplan also set out a series of spaces for events and exhibitions both within the Gaol and across a flexible use public realm.

After an internal review process, the masterplan proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Justice with the full support of the two ward MPs.