The city centre areas comprise Thames, Saint Mary's, Forbury, Kennetside and Blake's Lock areas.  The lovely Victorian red-brick buildings, for which Reading is famous, sit comfortable side by side the modern Oracle Shopping and Leisure complex.  This development, which opened in 1999, occupies a central site standing on the banks of the River Kennet.  This complex has ensured Reading a place in the top ten shopping destinations of the country. 

The M4 has three junctions at Reading with the M25, 40 and M3 all within easy reach.  This major transport interchange has ensured that many of the finest high tech business parks are located here.   

Reading University has three main campus sites located within the city; Whiteknights, Bulmershe Court and London Road.