East Reading

The east part of Reading is the smallest area of the borough and lies between the River Thames and the Wokingham Road as far as the start of the A329M. The east of Reading’s most well known landmark has to be Palmer Park with one of the finest outdoor sports stadiums in the region. The stadium also boasts one of the best outdoor Velodromes in the UK. The other familiar landmark with local residents and visitors to Reading is the Cemetery Junction where roads merge in the shape of a ‘Y’ with a cemetery in the middle. The cemetery is Victorian and not unusual as far as Victorian cemeteries go with an older shady part at the back and the newer treeless section near the entrance.



This part of Reading has many streets and roads lined with Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses which in the past were the homes of some of the wealthier residents of the town. Today you can still see the ornate detail on the houses which have undergone renovation and some ‘tlc’ by present owners.

PROPERTY TO BUY AND RENT

The property to the east of Reading is predominately Victorian and Edwardian terrace properties which are either family homes or have been converted for the letting market because of its proximity to the Reading University and Royal Berkshire Hospital to the south of Reading.

To buy a property in the east part of Reading it is evident from a search of estate agents property papers, that a two bedroom property would cost in the region of £180,000 and a three bedroom property would come to the market with an asking price of around £185,000. However, depending on condition and location the asking price rises to nearer £200,000 for a three bedroom property.

The houses available to rent are mostly two and three bedroom properties and a tenant can expect to pay around £800 to £850 pcm. However, it may be possible to find a four bedroom pre-war property to rent for around £850 pcm. What is very obvious from searching through property papers is that this part of Reading is where properties have been converted into ‘bed sits’, or studios and house sharing is common. Rents for house sharing are in the region of £70 pw and up to £375 pcm for a ‘bed sit’ or studio.

New apartments have begun to spring up nearer the town in this part of Reading and Kennet Walk is one such development where a two bedroom flat can command a rent in the region of £800 pcm.

There seems to be a shortage of properties coming to the market in this part of Reading probably due to the fact that they are immediately snapped up for re-development into flats or bed sits. This immediate flags this area as being a buy-to-let hot spot and well worth a closer look.

RESTAURANTS AND PUBS

East Reading does have pubs some of which have the special TV screens showing the big sporting fixtures, some serving food, and, of course, there are also the very popular quiz nights. Along the Wokingham Road are two popular pubs called the College Arms which is close to Palmer Park and the Three Tuns which is situated at the town boundary crossroads.

Also along the Wokingham Road can be found restaurants whether eating out casually or formally there is something to suit most people. There are takeaways such as Chinese and Fish ‘n’ chips but for a unique dining experience the Colleys Supper Rooms by Palmer Park, which is based on a traditional Victorian supper room, offers a six course supper of traditional British food. Another option is The Blue Ginger restaurant on the Wokingham Road which serves an excellent range of traditional and speciality Indian and Bangali dishes.

RETAIL

East of Reading shopping is made up of small speciality shops and many which are family owned. There are the grocery and green grocery shops alongside newsagents, bakers, off-licence, charity shops, laundrette, TV aerial specialists, motorist and hi-fi shops to name but a few. In fact just about anything you need is within walking distance for the residents in this part of Reading.

SPORT AND LEISURE

For sport and leisure the Palmer Park Stadium provides a focal point for a variety of indoor and outdoor leisure activities which include an athletics track, and a velodrome. However for those who enjoy the game of football there is a floodlit pitch and for those who prefer to work out there is a fully air conditioned gym. The park also offers a children’s playground together with a café and that all important car park.

An alternative situated at the Cemetery Junction is the Arthur Hill Pool & Fitness Studio which happens to be the oldest of the sports facilities in Reading and was built in 1911. Interestingly, the building retains a lot of its original character and the fitness factory gym offers circuit training as well as the facility for floor exercises. There is, of course, a programme of swimming courses, sessions and classes.