HUMAN history, art and culture is coming to Wokingham as The British Museum plans to use a nearby building as a research and storage facility.

Two homes will be demolished as part of a two-phased plans to use space at Cutbush Lane in Shinfield, located to the south of the Thames Valley Science Park, as a home for hosting some of the world’s greatest artifacts.

Speaking at a Wokingham Borough Council planning meeting, Jonathan Williams, deputy director of the British Museum, said: “We found our ideal partner was the University of Reading.

“The proximity of the site to the university made it the ideal site.

“We know how excited many members of the community are about the proposals.”

Nick Pattison, also from the British Museum, added: “This facility provides opportunities for students and academics to view the collection.

“It will support cultural diversity in the borough. It will raise the cultural and economic profile of the of the area.”

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading, said: “This is an important next step in what will be a first of its kind partnership between a national museum and a UK university.


“Reading has a global reputation for excellence in Arts and Humanities subjects, having recently been named in the top 150 in the world.

"We are already developing plans with the Museum to explore a wide range of potential research synergies, building on our existing collaborative research. We are also planning ways to work together through our University Museums to benefit local schools and members of the public.” 

The site was chosen following a national search for a new space before the British Museum leaves its current storage facility in London.

Once the collections are moved in to the facility, which Mr Williams nicknamed ‘The Ark’, visitors would be allowed to see some of the exhibits arranged through pre-booked appointments.

A report produced for the council read: “The Museum has committed to offer local schools the chance to visit the site and also offers an outreach programme to local schools which includes the use of virtual exhibitions in classrooms.

“In addition the siting of the facility here will offer Shinfield and Wokingham residents unprecedented access to items.”

Councillors were full of praise for the plans, with Cllr Malcolm Richards calling the idea “excellent”, Cllr Carl Doran said the facility would be “prestigious” and Cllr Wayne Smith said it was “great.”

Cllr Chris Bowring added: “This is a tremendous asset and a huge boost to the people of the borough and a great thing for children to help them with their studies in history and archaeology.”

A planning application submitted to the council showed five letters of objections, including one from the owners of Shinfield Grange, and six letters of support for this proposal.

One comment from a Wokingham teacher read: “This project improves the reputation of and facilities in Shinfield to world class status. I am proud the British Museum chose Shinfield as a site over many other possible locations.

“A facility of this type augments diversity in the development in Shinfield, which is mainly a vast numbers of houses.”

However one letter of opposition read: “The proposed development site includes 2 residential properties, formerly tied cottages within the University farm. It appears contrary to council plans to reduce housing stock, when there is such governmental pressure to increase local housing.”

The planning application was approved by the council at a meeting of the planning committee on Wednesday, November 13.