Reading Station at 185: Powering Business, Connection, and Opportunity

30th April 2025

This spring, Reading Station celebrated an incredible milestone — 185 years of rail heritage, innovation, and connection. What began in 1840 as a humble stop on Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s pioneering Great Western Railway has grown into one of the UK’s busiest and most important transport hubs, a driving force behind Reading’s rise as a dynamic business centre.

© Science Group. Reading Station in 1910.

But this isn’t just a moment to look back with pride, it’s also a time to look forward with purpose. With high-speed services from GWR, the expanded reach of the Elizabeth Line, and the broader railway network approaching its own 200th anniversary in 2025, Reading Station continues to be a springboard for opportunity.

A Platform for Growth

Reading’s business landscape has been shaped — and supercharged — by its rail connections. Just 25 minutes from London Paddington, the town offers the connectivity of the capital without the sky-high costs. That’s made it a magnet for companies of all sizes, who benefit from direct access to talent and clients across the South East and beyond.

The station’s 2014 transformation marked a major leap forward. With elevated tracks, more platforms, and a sleek new concourse, Reading now sees over 17 million passengers a year. That means faster commutes, smoother journeys, and more reasons for businesses to call Reading home, especially in booming sectors like tech, finance, and professional services.

The Elizabeth Line Effect

The Elizabeth Line has only added fuel to that momentum. With seamless links to London’s West End, Canary Wharf, and Heathrow Airport, Reading is no longer just a commuter town, it’s a key player in Greater London’s ecosystem, while keeping its own character and independence.

For professionals, it means greater flexibility. For businesses, global reach without big-city overheads. And for investors? It’s another sign that Reading is the place to watch — and to grow.

More Than Just a Train Station

Reading Station’s impact goes beyond business. It’s woven into the town’s cultural fabric. Just look at the elegant Malmaison Hotel — once a grand railway hotel built in 1844, and still standing today as a symbol of Victorian ambition and modern sophistication.

This balance of old and new, heritage and progress, is what gives Reading its edge. It’s a place that remembers where it came from, but always keeps an eye on where it’s going.

Full Steam Ahead

At 185 years old, Reading Station isn’t slowing down, it’s picking up speed. Its world-class connectivity, forward-thinking development, and rich history make it more than just a stop on the map. It’s a launchpad for business, a link to the world, and a symbol of how the past and future can travel side by side.