Reading Borough Council has announced its intention to bid for city status to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The council believes Reading’s unique combination of economic and cultural strength, coupled with its many historic links to royalty both past and present, place it in a powerful position to be successful in the nationwide competition.
Over the weeks and months to come, Reading Council intends to mobilise residents, community groups, business representatives and voluntary organisations to support a compelling bid for the borough.
The aim is to agree Reading’s submission in the autumn and submit it ahead of the government’s deadline of 8 December.
Studies suggest that a successful bid for city status could bring further investment and employment opportunities to the town.
The council believes it would represent a major boost to Reading’s growing local tourism industry and make it an even more attractive destination for cultural events.
They also said that the local economy is already bouncing back strongly from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the honorary ‘city’ title would provide a further stimulus to Reading’s recovery.
Commenting, Leader of Reading Borough Council, Councillor Jason Brock said:
“This bid for city status is an opportunity for us to celebrate everything that we know is great about Reading.
“Many people already mistake Reading for a city, which is understandable given its economic strength and connectivity in terms of transport links, its unique cultural offer and strong sense of historic identity.
"Reading’s bid will, of course, major on all of these aspects, as well as engaging the people, voluntary sector, communities and diversity which creates the unique blend we know and love.
“While the council’s name will be on the document, we are clear that this is Reading’s bid.
“Therefore, over the coming months, we intend to engage with groups, organisations and communities across the town to build the strongest bid possible.”
Deputy Leader of Reading Council, Councillor Tony Page added:
“The council is ambitious for Reading and people would rightly question that ambition if we did not submit a bid on the town’s behalf. A successful bid is something that would enormously benefit the whole town.
“We believe Reading’s offer is unique. Its rich history is evident in this year’s 900th anniversary of the founding of our historic royal abbey.
“Our ambitions to transform Reading Gaol into a beacon of arts, heritage and culture, which remain very much alive and our many royal links, both past and present.
"Reading’s economy also remains buoyant and well placed to recover from the pandemic, attracting the range of international, national and independent businesses.
"Our local communities have responded magnificently to the traumatic events of the last year and we will reflect that spirit in our bid.
“We are confident we tick every box, insofar as the government has set out.
“We know from previous experience that doesn’t always equate to a successful bid, but together with local voluntary and community groups, the business community and other local partners, we intend to build a compelling case over the months to come.”
Reading were unsuccessful in their bid for city status to mark the millennium in 2000, as well as the Queen’s Golden and Silver Jubilees of 2002 and 2012 respectively.
