The Joint Venture (JV) delivering the Station Hill development in Reading – comprising Lincoln Property Company (‘Lincoln’) and MGT Investment Management (‘MGT’) – has hosted its first Pathways to Property event in conjunction with international architectural practice Gensler in an initiative aimed at sharing the thinking behind the design and construction of the project to date and offering ideas for the next phase of development.

Pathways to Property aims to widen access to the real estate profession by raising awareness and aspirations about the vast range of careers available within the industry.

More than 100 young participants who visited the Station Hill site in July were invited to complete a concept design for a community-focused development using Station Hill as a reference point. Students who submitted the most creative and innovative ideas were subsequently selected by a judging panel to compete in an all-day workshop at Gensler’s London offices at the end of August.  The workshop guided them through the process of designing a project from a brief.  Activities ranged from completing an initial site survey to producing AI renders of their design concepts, focused on the delivery of a community music centre.

Following guidance from Gensler’s experts, participants designed a music centre with associated uses incorporating residential and office space alongside community facilities, including an artistic venue and rehearsal studios.

Lee Fearnhead, Director of Construction for UK & Europe at Lincoln Property Company, added: “It is so inspiring to see young people demonstrate such a passion for the industry and reassuring to know that the future of design and development is in safe hands.

“Lincoln is committed to supporting aspiring, young professionals as they make their way in the real estate industry, and we will continue to commit to initiatives such as Pathways to Property which help to give young people from all walks of life the confidence to succeed in our sector.”

Amelia, a local student, was eager to learn about the design process and particularly the community aspects of architectural design.  She said: “Living in Reading, I already have an intimate understanding of the Station Hill site.  I am really looking forward to enjoying the public realm once it opens and meeting team behind this project was incredibly exciting for me.”

Another student participant, Nazer, commented that his highlight of the day was a tour of Gensler’s studio, observing the diverse nature of the workforce: “It was great to see people that looked like me enjoying their work here.  I was worried about not belonging in the design and construction industry.  The opportunity to participate in this initiative has helped to show me that this is not the case and encouraged me to pursue a career in the built environment.”

Launched in 2012, the Pathways to Property project is led by Reading Real Estate Foundation at Henley Business School, University of Reading, and was established as a response to the recognised lack of diversity in the industry.  Fully funded by the industry, the project works with students, teachers, career advisors and parents to highlight to those from less advantaged and non-traditional backgrounds the opportunities available within the sector.  This is achieved by delivering a range of activities including an annual Summer School, a work experience week, an e-mentoring programme, engaging with schools and colleges throughout the UK at careers events and delivering a successful open online course (OOC) about starting a career in real estate.

John Badman, Gensler’s European Leader of Residential, was delighted by the work of the students: “It was a joy to welcome the Pathways to Property student cohort to our London office.  We were impressed by the innovative plans they conceptualised for an imagined community centre and look forward to the positive contributions they will make to the industry in the years to come.