Reading Secures Global Combat Air Programme HQ in Landmark Deal 

9th July 2025

Reading has landed one of the most significant office deals in a decade, with the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) selecting Green Park as its new global headquarters. This major win for the town underscores Reading’s growing importance as a hub for high-tech and defence-related industries, bringing a wave of economic and employment benefits to the region. 

A Game-Changer for Reading’s Business Landscape

The GCAP, a joint initiative between the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop a next-generation combat aircraft, has secured 160,000 square feet of office space at Green Park. This deal represents the largest office letting in the Thames Valley in ten years, reflecting the confidence global enterprises have in Reading as a prime business destination. 

The facilitiy at Green Park officially opened on Monday 7 July by minister for defence procurement, Maria Eagle, with Reading's mayor Alice Mpofu-Coles and Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, Yuan Yang, also in attendance. Eagle said the base would be a "centre of excellence, uniting top talent from our three governments and industries that pioneer advancements in future air technology".

The GCAP headquarters will be spread across two buildings—350 Brook Drive (45,000 square feet) and 400 South Oak Way (111,000 square feet). The latter, currently occupied by Pepsico, will be vacated as the company moves to One Station Hill in central Reading. This relocation positions Green Park as a magnet for top-tier international businesses. 

Economic Growth and Job Creation 

With more than 3,500 engineers, programmers, and defence specialists already involved in GCAP across the UK, the establishment of its global headquarters in Reading is expected to further bolster skilled employment opportunities. The influx of high-tech jobs will support the local economy, benefiting businesses, retailers, and service providers across the region. 

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the significance of the move, stating: “Reading will host the new GCAP headquarters, supporting the delivery of the cutting-edge stealth fighter jet. This will strengthen each country’s combat air industrial capability while achieving value for money.” 

Green Park: A Premier Business Destination 

Singapore’s Mapletree, the owner of Green Park, has consistently attracted high-profile tenants, reinforcing the business park’s reputation as a leading destination for innovation and investment. This deal follows previous high-profile lettings, including the Atomic Weapons Establishment’s (AWE) move into 250 Brook Drive and engineering giant Wood’s relocation to 400 Longwater Avenue. 

With its modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and strong track record of securing global firms, Green Park is proving to be an essential driver of Reading’s economic success. 

Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director at REDA, commented, “The GCAP headquarters is more than just a real estate transaction - it’s a testament to Reading’s appeal to a wide base of global businesses in ‘cutting edge’ sectors. As Reading continues to attract world-class enterprises such as GCAP, and AWE with their recent move to Green Park, its status as a key player in the UK’s tech and defence sectors is solidified. This latest development ensures that Reading remains at the forefront of industry innovation, global research collaborations, economic growth, and job creation for years to come, spearheading the Government’s 2035 Industrial Strategy for Growth”  

For businesses, professionals, and the wider community, the economic future of Reading looks brighter than ever.