New Waterstones to be opened by mayor

WATERSTONES has announced it is to officially open its new Wokingham branch on Saturday.

And the ribbon will be cut by Wokingham town mayor – and new leader of Wokingham’s Conservatives – Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner at 10am.

The team from the new store will carry on the celebrations throughout the day, offering customers a warm welcome, as well as balloons for children and wine and mince pies for grown-ups.

It will be the first time the town centre will have a dedicated bookshop since Bookends closed last year.

The single storey shop will house a range of books with an emphasis on local authors. There will also be stationery and gifts.

It is hoped that like it's Reading counterpart it will hold regular events and signings: the team said that the Peach Place branch will have a strong community focus, hosting reading groups, supporting local authors, working with schools and running regular activities for families.

In a statement, store manager Becky Ashley said: “It’s wonderful to be opening our bookshop in time for Christmas.

“We’re looking forward to bringing some seasonal cheer, meeting our customers and helping everyone to find Christmas presents for friends and family.”

The store is one of the first new businesses to open in the new Peach Place complex and will be located on Peach Street opposite the town hall.

When Waterstones’ arrival was announced, James Daunt, the chain’s managing director, said: “We consider ourselves very fortunate to have found in Wokingham such a large and attractive shop and greatly look forward to turning it into a really good bookshop.”