A BUSINESS development firm has welcomed the possibility of Reading being granted City Status.
Last month, Reading Borough Council put in a bid for the town to be made a city, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Now, Reading UK, the business-led economic development company for the town, said it will support the council’s team preparing the bid.
Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “Reading UK has been promoting Reading as a ‘defacto city’ for several years, a status that is well-recognised in the business world in which Reading competes with UK and international cities as an economic powerhouse.
“Reading boasts all the hallmarks of a successful city, from a great quality of life to global companies, excellent transport infrastructure to a clear sense of identity powered by its people.
“It is now time for the UK political process to acknowledge that reality by designating Reading a city in 2022.”
Reading UK said one of the town’s key strengths is its economic performance.
“The future looks bright for Reading and we hope all of Reading will get behind the council in championing it for City Status,” Mr Horton-Baker added.
