Reading Football Club has received planning permission to build Royal Elm Park - a major new convention centre plus a 250-bedroom hotel and ice rink on land next to its Madejski Stadium just off the M4 at junction 11.

A 300,000 sq-ft convention centre will be at the heart of the new development. It will be known as The International and will be designed to attract a wide range of events, concerts, conferences as well as community uses.

With a capacity of 6,000, The International will become the largest dedicated conference venue in the south of England.

The plan also includes 630 homes across a dozen blocks, a large multi-storey car park, a large public square and a park. 

A new mainline station could also be created at nearby Green Park giving visitors direct rail access to local destinations, the south west, the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland.

Subject to completing the final planning requirement, construction is expected to start early next year with The International scheduled to be operational in 2020. Final completion of the scheme is expected by 2023.

Details: http://www.royalelmpark.co.uk/