The Government Property Agency was granted planning permission yesterday to push ahead with cutting-edge headquarters, which will house 300 scientists at the University’s Whiteknight’s campus.

The HQ will mean Reading will house one of the largest clusters of weather and climate research and operational forecasting facilities in the world.

It will join other weather organisations located at the campus including the Met Office, National Centres for Atmospheric Science and for Earth Observation, the Institute of Environmental Analytics and the Walker Institute for Climate Research.

Architect BDP has designed the four-storey building to be net zero in operation and achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating while being low carbon during construction.

The HQ will provide office space together with ancillary accommodation, including a large lecture theatre, catering facilities, meeting facilities and ECMWF council chamber.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Minister Alex Burghart, said: “Ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of the global science and technology sector is essential to delivering long-term economic growth and security across the country.

“Reading is the ideal location for this new headquarters, perfectly positioned to access the University’s strong talent pipeline and create fantastic new opportunities for the next generation.”