Reading Civic Society is an independent, voluntary organisation that has been working to promote pride in our town, improve our built environment and celebrate our heritage since 1962.
Reading is proud to call itself the biggest town in England, and we consider it to be among the best places in the country for a good work-life balance offering good housing, community services and green public spaces along with our two beautiful waterways – The Thames and the Kennet and Avon canal. It has excellent transport services, entertainment venues and business opportunities.
We work in partnership with local groups and engage with the local planning authority to:
- Support people to be active citizens and contribute positively to our town
- Commemorate the people and places that have shaped our town
- Improve our built environment and its effect on those who live and work in our town
- Influence major developments in our town to promote high quality, sustainable design
- Promote and protect our heritage buildings, public spaces and public art for all to enjoy
- Encourage community engagement in civic decisions
Examples of our recent work
Encouraging our young citizens through our annual ‘Look Draw Build @ Reading Station’ creative learning programme for primary school students [LINK]
Our Blue Plaque scheme website highlighting many of the people and places who have made Reading the great town that it is. [LINK]
The Reading Civic Society was instrumental in our town’s heritage conservation. As part of the national planning framework councils can implement ‘Article 4 directions’ which removes some normal development rights to preserve an area’s appearance or character. When Reading Borough Council issued a direction on 15 areas we challenged the initial statement to ensure that it was consistent and comprehensive, and that the included roads and homes impacted were published so that owners would know what planning consents were required. We also encouraged the clarification on what restrictions were being applied to properties.
Every spring we hold our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to report on the previous financial year, forthcoming activities and raise any changes to our Constitution [LINK]. Details of previous AGMs are published here.
You can also contact the Committee to discuss any particular interests on ReadingCivicSociety@gmail.com
We are proud to be members of Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement in England and Reading Voluntary Action, who support and encourage voluntary groups in our town. We are also members of our local group: Caversham and District Residents’ Association.