European weather centre HQ given planning permission

Plans for a new European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) headquarters on the University’s Whiteknights campus have been approved.

Planning permission for the development, which will house 300 scientists in a state-of-the-art, sustainably-designed facility, was granted by Wokingham Borough Council on Wednesday (14 February) evening.

The move from ECMWF’s current home, on Shinfield Road, to a plot next to the University’s Department of Meteorology will create one of the world’s largest clusters of weather and climate scientists in the world.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the project due to complete in autumn 2026.

The project is funded by the UK Government through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The planning application was submitted by the Government Property Agency (GPA).

The site of the proposed new building formerly held the University’s School of Art before its move to a new building in summer 2023. The vacant site will be prepared by the University’s Estates team before being handed over to GPA.

Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the 色狗导航, said: “This is extremely positive news. We already collaborate closely with our ECMWF colleagues and look forward to welcoming them onto our campus.

“This development will further strengthen our partnership with ECMWF, allowing our scientists to work even more closely together on environmental research to address global challenges.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Minister Alex Burghart, said: “Ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of the global science and technology sector is essential to delivering long-term economic growth and security across the country.

“Reading is the ideal location for this new headquarters, perfectly positioned to access the University’s strong talent pipeline and create fantastic new opportunities for the next generation."

Clive Anderson, Director of Capital Projects, Government Property Agency said: “We are delighted to achieve planning permission to develop this new facility, which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient headquarters for ECMWF’s forecasting, research and training functions, retaining a world-leading scientific organisation and attracting long-term investment into the region.

“It's another milestone for us at the Government Property Agency to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on supporting productivity and wellbeing.”