A memorial bench for a Reading man, removed during site work, will be reinstated after redevelopment.
A bench exists to remember Chris Whitton, who died at age 26 on September 3, 1997. His workmates funded the memorial, and it has provided a place to relax since then.
The county council ended in 1998. Foster Wheeler took over Shire Hall in 2000, and Wood, a firm, occupied it from 2017 to 2024.
Wood moved to Green Park. Fiera Real Estate acquired Shire Hall with Wrenbridge, and the site has been closed for months.
Emma Patey, Mr. Whitton’s sister, asked about the bench because she could not visit during Christmas.
Mrs. Patey said it stood for nearly thirty years and that many people used it to relax and take time from their busy day, which helped their mental health. She saw Wood’s employees use it last March where they sat, ate lunch and admired the view while enjoying the Canadian Geese. She wants to know where the bench went.
Wrenbridge confirmed the bench remains there. They offered to deliver it to Mrs. Patey before demolition began and reinstall it after redevelopment.
Jessica Gavaghan directs at Wrenbridge Sport. She said that the site is fenced off and that demolition work occurs before redevelopment, which will happen later this year.
The bench stays by the ponds, and the current work isn’t near it. Full demolition may require moving it.
Mrs. Patey asked about reinstalling the bench. Gavaghan replied it was kind to reinstate it for future workers. However, damage or loss might occur because contractors will be on site for years.
Gavaghan thinks Mrs. Patey should take it now. Reinstallation can happen after development ends, but Wokingham Borough Council needs to approve any changes, and no application exists yet for the site.