Reading benefactor could have road named after him
Calls for Sir John Madejski to be immortalised
A major road in Reading could be named after one of the town’s biggest benefactors.
Sir John Madejski helped save Reading FC from liquidation when he became chairman in 1990, was involved in the creation of its stadium in 1998, and was the chancellor of the University of Reading from 2007 to 2016.
He also helped fund the John Madejski Academy in Whitley.
Now his name could be immortalised with a proposal to name the A33 John Madejski Way.
The Trust that runs the John Madejski Academy renamed it Hartland High School in September last year.
Tony Page, who was a councillor for 51 years, introduced the naming suggestion at a meeting of the council’s policy committee.
He said: “At a full council meeting in June 2025, councillors unanimously agreed to a resolution following the disgraceful decision of the Greenshaw Trust to remove Sir John’s name from the John Madejski Academy.
“In light of the final sentence of the resolution, which resolves to seek alternative means by which his legacy to our town can be preserved, will the council now initiate steps to name the A33 Relief Road, from its junction with the IDR to Junction 11, as Sir John Madejski Way?”
The question was answered by John Ennis, lead councillor for transport.
Councillor Ennis (Labour, Southcote), who is a diehard Reading FC fan, said: “I welcome the question and the suggestion for further recognising the contributions that Sir John has made to Reading, which has a particular connection to sport and culture and I understand why renaming a street, particularly one as significant as the A33 Relief Road, is a positive way to recognise these contributions.
“The council’s Street Naming and Numbering Protocol requires any street renaming to be formally approved by the planning applications committee, following consultation with councillors and local occupiers.
“I will be receiving further briefings from officers on this process and assessing the implications for making these changes before a report is taken forward.
“As part of this process, consideration will be given to any other options which could give appropriate recognition to the contribution Sir John has made to the town.”
The renaming was also raised at the planning committee meeting on March 29.
Mr Page said: “Would the chair of the committee confirm that a full report will be brought to the committee in June for it, if it deems appropriate, to pass the necessary resolution to add the name John Madejski Way to all or part of the A33 Relief Road?”
Cllr Jan Gavin (Labour, Caversham), the committee chair, while welcoming the suggestion for Sir John’s very considerable contribution to the town, said that consultation processes must be followed first, meaning the naming will not be discussed at the next meeting.
Mr Page said: Bearing in mind that Sir John was 85 this week (Tuesday, April 28), it would be nice to get this done while he is still with us, would you not agree?
Cllr Gavin replied: “I agree we should try and do this in as speedy but thorough a way as possible, so we can get this sorted as soon as possible.”
The football ground was renamed the Select Car Leasing Stadium in July 2021.