Reading University scheme granted £24.7m Get Britain Building funding

The scheme, which is being delivered by Reading University, will also have two primary schools, a neighbourhood centre, shops and a new science and research Park. The Government investment will go towards building a new access road and links between the new development and Wokingham.

Prisk called on local authorities and developers elsewhere to also make use of the Government programme to unlock stalled large-scale sites.

“I’m delighted that today’s £25 million investment in the future of Wokingham will help tackle the transport troubles that are stopping the building of 2,500 homes in its tracks," said Prisk in a statement. "But with dozens of similar stalled sites across the country, I’m determined to do more."

“That’s why today, I’m calling on councils and developers with large-scale, locally supported stalled developments to come forward and make the most of the government help available to get builders back to work and the homes we need built. With funding on offer in the form of recoverable loans, this is a win-win for the taxpayer - delivering thousands of homes and getting more bang for our buck,” Prisk said.

“Wokingham needs more homes to support the growth planned for the Borough, but this can’t happen without the investment in the Eastern Relief Road that the minister has announced today," said Homes and Communities agency executive director for the South and South West Colin Molton.

“This will play a vital part in supporting growth in a way that helps develop sustainable communities by providing a better road network and hundreds of new jobs and 2,500 new homes to Wokingham," he said.