The project developed a cultural vision and high-level masterplan for the acquisition and reuse of Reading Gaol, commissioned by Reading Borough Council in collaboration with Deloitte and BDP Architects.

The Grade II listed former gaol forms part of the Reading Abbey and holds national significance through its association with Oscar Wilde. The vision explored how the site could be transformed into a cultural and heritage destination of national importance, supporting Reading’s tourism offer while reconnecting the Abbey Quarter as a coherent cultural landscape.

Delivered over an eight-week masterplanning programme, the work combined spatial analysis with an intensive programme of research and engagement. This included a half-day summit bringing together local MPs, developers, cultural organisations and community stakeholders to test the emerging vision and build early-stage support for the Council’s proposal.

Engagement highlighted the potential for the Gaol to operate as a new civic and cultural hub - bringing together Reading’s diverse cultural and community organisations and creating platforms for cultural production, presentation and participation, particularly for under-represented audiences. The vision reframed the Gaol’s complex social history, acknowledging its impact on the community while creating space for new narratives in literature, performance and contemporary cultural practice.

Working with BDP Architects, the masterplan identified opportunities for a range of cultural uses, including a heritage exhibition and interactive visitor centre, affordable cultural workspace, and flexible spaces for events and exhibitions within the Gaol and across the surrounding public realm. Following internal review, the proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Justice with the support of both local ward MPs.

Site images by BDP Architects