Most of Lower Earley was built as a major housing development (at the time Western Europe’s largest) in the 1980s and 1990s, on the south-eastern edge of Reading, with a broad mix of housing types from studio flats to large detached houses. New estates are still being built beyond Lower Earley today.
Demographically, Lower Earley’s age profile includes young and old and has become increasingly ethnically diverse, all of which raises exciting opportunities for the mission of local churches.
Lower Earley is largely residential but has a number of facilities. The District Centre, of which the church is a part, has a surgery, leisure centre (with swimming pool), new Indian restaurant, library, community centre, supermarket, chemists, cafes and a number of smaller shops. A mile to the east is another small parade of shops at Maiden Place.
Other local recreational amenities include parks, a nature reserve, sports clubs, a multiplex cinema and the cinemas, theatres, restaurants and clubs of Reading are all close to hand. Nearby is also a large police station.
There are several nursery schools and playgroups, as well as three local primary schools and one local secondary school. Reading University is on the fringes of the parish.