Commercial

Forbury Place

Reading

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Client: M&G Real Estate

Project: 370,000 sqft demolition and CAT A rebuild of two office workspaces.

Cost: £38M & £40M

Services: Project Management , Quantity Surveying , Employer's Agent

RIBA Project Stages: 1-7

Major two-phase redevelopment delivering premium office space in Reading.

David Hall Business Development Director "Although its proximity to the railway was a significant challenge for this project, the strength of our well established partnership with both client and developer ensured a very successful outcome of which I am duly proud."

The opportunity

Reading’s status as a growing business destination was strengthened by the redevelopment of its mainline station and improved transport links, including future access to Crossrail. In response, M&G Real Estate, working with Bell Hammer, identified the need for high-quality, modern workspace. The redevelopment of Energis House provided two new office buildings totalling approximately 370,000 sq ft, delivered in two phases to meet anticipated business demand.

The challenge

The site's close proximity to the operational railway required careful planning. Specialist machinery and scaffolding were used during demolition to manage safety and containment. After completing the first phase, TPI led a review of the design and delivery approach to identify improvements. These adjustments helped refine the external appearance and reduce construction costs for the second phase.

The outcome

The strong location and build quality enabled the client to secure a lease before the first phase was completed. At the time, it was the largest office letting in Reading for 25 years and in the Thames Valley for over a decade. The early commitment reflected confidence in the scheme’s design, execution, and ability to meet the evolving needs of modern occupiers.

“We have been working with Total Project Integration for over 15 years now. They are all the things you want from a project management team, deliver on time, on budget and adding value as they go. It’s a bonus that we happen to like working with them too”

Patrick Davis

Development Manager, Bell Hammer