The Oracle, Reading is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and a major retail and leisure destination. Opened in 1999, the riverside development sits alongside the River Kennet and River Thames, with a mix of shops, restaurants, pedestrian areas and distinctive riverside architecture.
With future planning and development activities requiring accurate and reliable site information, the project called for a detailed understanding of both the existing buildings and surrounding external areas. Particular attention was required along the riverside, including the shopfronts and areas adjoining the River Thames.
Surveybase were appointed to deliver a 2D survey package across The Oracle and its surrounding areas. The scope included a detailed topographical survey spanning 250m of the external areas, riverside spaces and surrounding site features, alongside a measured building survey capturing the existing buildings and shopfronts along the riverside.
By combining topographical and measured building surveys within a coordinated workflow, the project team benefited from a single, accurate source of information that could be relied upon throughout the planning and design process. The detailed survey data provided a clear understanding of the existing site, helping to improve project coordination and support informed decision-making.
This project demonstrates Surveybase’s ability to deliver accurate, high-quality survey data across complex commercial and riverside environments. By capturing both the built environment and surrounding external areas, including the relationship with the River Thames, we help clients move forward with confidence and clarity from the earliest stages of a project.
