Huntley Wharf transforms a large brownfield site on the former Huntley & Palmers Biscuit Factory, beside the River Kennet in Reading, into a mixed-use residential quarter. Two redundant retail sheds make way for a tenure-blind neighbourhood with a new south-facing riverside public space. The masterplan introduces high-quality pedestrian and cycle links that reopen access to the water and stitch the area back into the town. A varied mix of apartments, loft-style homes, townhouses and duplexes is supported by everyday amenities, establishing a new urban address.

The architectural language draws on the site's industrial heritage, responding sensitively to nearby assets including HM Prison Reading and Reading Abbey. Massing is calibrated to achieve density without excessive height, prioritising safety, permeability and active streets. Contextual brickwork, robust detailing and a clear hierarchy of streets and squares establish a confident identity that feels rooted in place.

Landscape and ecology structure the scheme. Biodiverse planting, podium gardens and public squares are interwoven with the riverside, with measures to protect and enhance habitats for species such as otters and bats. Sustainable drainage features, including swales and rain gardens, manage water visibly and contribute to character. Air source heat pumps provide low-carbon heating, and the network of walking and cycling routes encourages green mobility and reconnects communities with the river.

Judges consistently described Huntley Wharf as a standout with a distinctive identity and a rich, cohesive character. They celebrated the success of the canalside realm and courtyard spaces, the clarity of the concept, and the way heritage influences are translated into confident contemporary architecture. The neighbourhood feel, human scale and active ground-level interfaces were commended, contributing to a place judges