The Oracle is a large indoor shopping and leisure mall located on the banks of the River Kennet in central Reading, UK. It takes its name from a seventeenth century workhouse that once occupied part of the site built by funds from a local man John Kendrick.

The centre contains 90 shops, including department stores from the Debenhams and House of Fraser chains. A third and larger department store, John Lewis, is adjacent to the Minster Street entrance to the mall (although this is not part of the centre itself). There are also 22 restaurants, cafes and bars along the riverside of the Kennet, and a 10 screen Vue cinema.

Although now well-respected and appreciated by local residents, the Oracle caused local controversy when first opened. The landlords of the Oracle refused flatly to sell any lots to local independent firms, even if they could afford the asking price, citing image devaluation and walk-through trade. It was also claimed that the local government sold large sections of the available retail space in the town to Wetherspoons and other pub chains, to force retailers into the Oracle and ensure it was filled. No absolute evidence of this was produced.

On the other hand, many of the stores within the Oracle did not previously exist in Reading and have substantially improved its status as a shopping destination. The Oracle also provides two large car parks providing 230,000 spaces with access to the town, which was desperately needed by the town centre prior to its opening, however due to Reading's commuter town status car parking fees are high and a full days shopping can have a surprising hidden expenese at the end of the day

Postcode: RG1 2AG

Directions from Junction 10 of the M4

Exit the M4 from junction 10 and join the A329M towards Reading. From the A329M, take the exit sign-posted Reading. Take the first exit of the roundabout onto the A4 London Road. Continue under a railway bridge past Palmer Park on your left-hand side. Stay in the left-hand lane until you reach a major set of traffic lights where the road forks. Go straight over the lights.

Stay on the A4 London Road in the middle lane past the Royal Berkshire Hospital on your left, through several sets of traffic lights. You will come to a major crossroads with traffic lights and you will see FUN AND FROLICS fancy dress shop in front of you, to your right. Carry straight on over this set of lights moving into the right hand lane and follow the road round through the next set of traffic lights. We are now in front of you.

Directions from Junction 11 of the M4

Exit the M4 at junction 11 and take the A33 relief road to Reading passing the Madejski Stadium on your left. Follow the signs for Reading Town Centre, continuing for approx. 2 miles. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right following the signs to The Oracle car parks.

Directions from Junction 12 of the M4

Exit the M4 at junction 12, and take the A4 Bath Road following the signs for Reading. Continue along the Bath Road for approx. 4 miles until you reach a major roundabout, which is controlled by traffic lights. At this roundabout take the 3rd exit on your left and follow the signs for Bridge Street and The Oracle car parks.

By Train

Reading's train station has connections throughout the UK and is situated just 5 minutes walk away. Simply exit the Station through the main entrance and cross over the pedestrian crossing immediately outside.

Turn left and follow the road straight ahead until you come to the end of the road which brings you out into Broad Street opposite John Lewis. Turn left and The Oracle is on the right hand side, opposite Marks & Spencer.

Bus

Reading has an extensive regional bus network including Park and Ride schemes stopping near The Oracle.

Nighttrack - Reading's evening and late night bus service operate hourly on nine routes from 20:00 until 02:00 (Sun to Wed) and until 04:00 (Thur to Sat).

For more information on Reading Buses or Nighttrack please go to www.reading-buses.co.uk

For more information on Park and Ride please go to www.reading.gov.uk