Reading: succesful place

Question 1

Summarize why Reading can be described as a successful place

Answer 1

Successful financial sector- thriving tertiary and quaternary industry. Successful transport links in good proximity to London. High educational attainment. A cultural/heritage hotspot attracting tourists.

Question 2

What is the average median age and the median weekly income in Reading?

Answer 2

median age:33-35
median weekly earning of a full time job: ~£600

Question 3

Why is Reading a successful place for business?

Answer 3

• Good transport links ( motorway link to business parks and Heathrow airport)
• Commuter hotspot due to the presence of large employers
• Flourishing economy (low unemployment, skilled workforce)
• Developed education (University of Reading, high educational attainment at A Levels and GCSEs)

Question 4

What transport link connects Reading to London?

Answer 4

The Elizabeth line.

Question 5

What percentage of lettings (by Knight Frank) in Reading are allocated for “prime modern refurbished office spaces”

Answer 5

95%

Question 6

What is the main industries focused in Reading and what was the total GDP worth in 2021?

Answer 6

IT, investment and insurance.

In 2021 Reading’s total GDP was ~£9.4 billion

Question 7

Why could Reading be described as a cultural hotspot?

Answer 7

• Thriving arts scene (Reading Festival, multi purpose venues eg The Hexagon, vibrant nightlife)
• Strong Heritage (Museum of English rural life, Highclere Castle, Reading Abbey)
• Nature (Prospect Park)

Question 8

How many tourists does Reading attract a year on average and how much money is generated?

Answer 8

~7 million tourists a year generating over £180million. Majority from day trips, hotel stays, meals out and shopping.

Question 9

Why might Reading not be described as a successful place?

Answer 9

• High living cost (Living close to London, high house prices)
• High crime rate (violence and sexual offences most common- 7,563 offences in 2023)
• Accumulates to high levels of deprivation (crime and access to services)

Question 10

How much higher is the crime rate in Reading compared to the county average?

Answer 10

48% higher in Reading than Berkshires overall crime rate.

Question 11

Where was Reading ranked in levels of deprivation on the IMD survey?

Answer 11

Ranked 2000/32,844. (amongst 10% of the most deprived neighborhoods in the country)