Reading unveil stadium expansion plan

Reading published plans for an expanded 38,000-capacity Madejski Stadium for the first time today.

Royals chief executive Nigel Howe explained the proposal is central to the club’s ambition of becoming an “established force in the Premiership“.

The plan is to add seating on three sides of the ground – behind each goal and the single-tiered East Stand.

But before the final planning application is submitted, Reading have invited fans to have their say.

A nine-day consultation period has been initiated and sketches of the proposed expansion have been published on the official club website, www.readingfc.co.uk.

Howe explained: “These are extremely exciting times for Reading. Thanks to the team’s success we are now able to regularly attract capacity crowds to Madejski Stadium, and this expansion would give more people the opportunity to support their team as we attempt to become an established force in the Premiership.

“We believe that the stadium has an extremely important role to play as one of the central focal points of the local community, and we are therefore very keen to hear the views of the people who have an interest in the expansion.

“If people tell us what they think, we will be able to address the public’s views and opinions before the planning application is submitted.”

The consultation period lasts until October 20 and fans have been invited to complete a questionnaire and write in with their own views.

Reading say their planning application will also address transportation issues including off-site parking and the provision of public transport necessary to deal with an increased attendance.

An exhibition evening will be held at the Madejski Stadium on Monday, October 16 for selected local community groups and businesses.

A display of the plans will be available for public viewing next to the main reception October 17-20.