Use of Public Realm

Town Centre Promotional Activity / Site Hire

Reading has a number of locations in the town centre that are available for use by both commercial and non-profit organisations. Use of the town centre for promotional purposes is strictly enforced to maintain the quality of the public realm for all users. 

The application form and full conditions are available to download as a word document from the Quick Link on the right of this page.  

Commercial Activity 

Applications are assessed on an individual basis, depending on the type of activity, length of visit and footprint, with fees starting at £400 (plus VAT).     

NB:  The average footfall in the town centre on a weekday is estimated in the region of 30,000 - rising to 50,000 at weekends.   

Not for Profit Activity (including faith, charity, education and other community sectors)

Applications from non-profit organisations are welcome, but these are also controlled to ensure fair distribution of promotional space and to maintain a safe and welcoming town centre.

Bookings are restricted to no more than four bookings per organisation in one calendar year (with a maximum of one booking per three month period).  This is with effect from 1 January 2012. 

With effect from 1 April 2012 a fee of £40 (plus VAT) will be applied to all bookings, to cover the related administration costs. This fee may be waived in exceptional circumstances, such as extreme hardship. It will increase for larger-scale activities where additional management time and/or facilities are required.   

Registered charities that wish to carry out a street collection (only) should apply for a permit from Reading Borough Council's Licensing Section:   http://www.reading.gov.uk/businesses/Licensing/StreetCollectionPermit/

Additional Information for ALL Users 

Risk Assessments and Public Liability Insurance Certificates

A detailed risk assessment and evidence of current Public Liability Insurance cover (minimum £5 million) must be submitted with the booking agreement.

Notice Period

From 1 April 2012 all bookings must be made a minimum of 30 days before the event or promotion.



Use of Vehicles 

Clients are permitted to use vehicles to transport event equipment on and off site.  This must be done before 11am and after 4pm (NB these timings will change in Spring 2012).

While we give clear access and egress instructions, we are not responsible for any breaches of highway regulations made by clients.

All support vehicles must be parked off-site for the duration of the event.  Parking arrangements are the responsibility of the client.

Vehicles which form part of the promotion or event must be fully branded, and must be declared as part of the activity at the time of booking.
 

Use of Generators

Use of generators is permitted in some instances and must be declared at the time of booking.

All generators must be super-silenced and be powered by diesel.
 
When using a generator, the event organiser must provide drip trays, spillage kits and fire extinguishers.
 

Use of Amplification and Electrical Equipment

Use of amplification and electrical equipment is permitted in some instances and must be declared at the time of booking.

All electrical equipment should be PAT tested and all items listed in the booking agreement.