Fire brigade called to incident just before midday

A major fire has broken out at a high-rise build-to-rent construction site being in Reading.

Royal Berkshire fire and rescue service said it received reports of the blaze at the site being developed by Lincoln MGT just before midday today.

Lincoln MGT is a joint venture between Lincoln Properties and MGT Investment Management.

The fire service earlier today said: “We are currently attending an incident on Napier Road, Reading. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services clear access to the scene. If you live in the surrounding area, please keep windows closed and stay indoors.”

It later corrected the location to Station Hill, where work on the mixed-use scheme which has been split into two phases.

The fire service added: “We understand that two people were rescued by a crane and have been placed in the care of South Central Ambulance Service. All other people have been accounted for at this time.” 

The first phase, One Station Hill, comprises 600 homes and according to contractor Sir Robert McAlpine’s website is due to complete soon.

Sir Robert McAlpine has been carrying out work on a mixed-use scheme which has been split into two phases.

In a statement a Sir Robert McAlpine spokesperson said: “We are thankful that everybody was evacuated to a place of safety and we are very grateful for the swift action taken by everyone on the site. We are working closely with the emergency services as they deal with the situation.”

A second phase began work last spring with the overall £750m development for developer Lincoln MGT including 625,000 sq ft of office space, 1,300 private and affordable homes and 95,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

More details to follow