A landmark decision on the redevelopment of the site previously occupied by the offices of Berkshire County Council has been made.
Shire Hall at Shinfield Park was built in brutalist style in the 1970s as the home of the Berkshire County Council offices.
The imposing complex near Reading was passed by thousands of drivers each day, given its location near the Shinfield Arms roundabout and the M4.
But the building was completely demolished late last year.
The demolition was requested by the owners of the site, Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate, who applied to build five logistical warehouse buildings in its place.
The plans first emerged in August 2024, when developer Wrenbridge and the investor Fiera Real Estate announced early-stage plans for the site.
These were subsequently submitted to Wokingham Borough Council, which is the planning authority for Shinfield.
The demolition was approved in February last year, months before the verdict on building the warehouse.
The plan also involves the demolition of two unoccupied bungalows.
Ultimately, the project was approved following an assessment by a council planning officer.
Their report states: “Whilst the proposed development would result in the loss of two residential dwellings contrary to both local and national policy as well as reduce the amount of employment floorspace on site, the proposal would make efficient use of previously developed land and provide notable industrial floorspace in a sustainable location, of which there is demonstrable need within the borough, supporting thriving industry.
“Use of the site for flexible commercial purposes reflects a pragmatic approach to best and most efficiently utilising previously developed land in the context of modern demand, creating an outlet to support the borough’s valuable knowledge clusters within a close proximity.
“The application site is further within settlement limits on an existing employment site and would decrease trip generation over the lawful office use, capitalising on the site’s location adjoining a major motorway and strategic transport network.
“The planning officer also mentioned the complexities of retaining the Shire Hall complex as it stood.”
The building was closed when the previous occupant, Wood Plc, moved to Green Park in August 2024.
The planning officer wrote: “It is noted that the refurbishment of the existing building to bring it to modern office standards would be unviable, nor demanded at this time.
“Failure to provide a modern response to the market’s existing needs would render the existing site underutilised and subject to anti-social behaviour.
“Instead, this application would provide modern adaptable commercial buildings and secure significant local employment, contribute to the borough’s growing economy and work towards strengthening the borough’s knowledge cluster.”
The project was officially granted in October 2025, with the developers submitting detailed planning applications this year.
You can view the approved development by typing reference 250415 into Wokingham council’s planning portal.
