Moorgarth – the asset managers of Reading’s Broad Street Mall – have announced that a new pop-up street food market serving a range of cuisine from around the world will open this week.
Union Square will initially operate on a temporary basis six days a week from Thursday, June 25 before opening permanently in mid-November.
The arrival of Union, which will create 25 local jobs, forms part of Moorgarth’s wider plan to regenerate Broad Street Mall and re-imagine the market town’s original shopping quarter.
Initial trading hours will be from 12pm to 10pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm to 8pm on Sundays.
When open, Union’s permanent site will feature 350 seats, seven award-winning street food vendors, and a bar showcasing Vocation Brewery’s vast range of craft beers.
In addition, an evolving events programme will encompass live music, film screenings and other themed events.
Treats will include meatballs from The Bowler, Slap & Pickle’s renowned smash burgers and loaded fries, Lobbo’s innovative seafood cuisine, and pizza from Let’s Go Pizza.
Union Square is built on the existing successes of PopCity – the business behind Leeds’ street-food-and-craft-beer hub, Assembly Underground.
Managing director of Moorgarth, Gary Lewis, commented: “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Union food market, which forms an integral part of our plans to improve Broad Street Mall as part of a wider masterplan which includes the addition of 400 new high-quality, centrally located homes recently granted planning permission alongside a new Premier Inn hotel.
Daryll Bunce, Director of Innovation at Moorgarth added: “The food market marks the start of an exciting partnership between Moorgarth and Union’s owner PopCity.
“This flexible approach between owner and operator will bring a proven market concept from Leeds and allow the people of Reading to enjoy the latest trends in food experience.
“Traders and customers can build trust and rapport in the offer as we build out the permanent space, a 15,000 sq/ft transformation that will launch in November 2020.”
Nick Gregory and Richard Sweet of Union’s owner PopCity said: “We’ve really done our homework on Reading and are confident that there is a pent-up demand for a more exciting re-interpretation of fast-food.
“We’re set to introduce some amazing independent operators and we will ensure that there’s a great variety of flavours on offer, with high-quality food and drink at a reasonable price.
“Union will offer a platform to local food independents that may not ordinarily be able to trade from such a high-profile location.”
