Global drinks giant PepsiCo is eyeing up an audacious move to Reading’s striking skyscraper The Blade, getreading can reveal.

Property agents have confirmed the Theale-based firm is in discussions to move into the futuristic tower in what would be one of the biggest relocations in the town’s history.

The US brand employs around 750 staff at its two offices at Arlington Business Park, but is known to be looking for a new UK headquarters.

And its prime target is the 262ft Blade – Reading’s tallest office building housing 108,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art space – which has sat empty since its completion in April.

It is believed educational institution Kaplan had agreed to take 14,000 sq ft on the first two floors, but this has been scrapped as bosses at The Blade try to thrash out a deal with PepsiCo to take the entire 15 storeys.

The relocation would dwarf the previous biggest deals involving new companies coming to the town when Visa Europe relocated to Kennet Wharf and Hutchinson 3G moved to the 84,000 sq ft Great Brigham’s Mead.

A leading source in the local property market told getreading: “PepsiCo are interested in taking all of The Blade. Talks are ongoing.

“I think they like the scale of the building and the image it reflects. It would be a huge deal.

“But we know there are some sticking points. The floorplates are very small, there are parking problems and issues surrounding the lease.”

Andrew Agnew, surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield, which represents The Blade, confirmed: “We have been courting PepsiCo in response to their recent activity and, naturally, would be delighted to see such a prominent global brand in Reading and, in particular, The Blade.

“There is no doubt The Blade is an exceptional office scheme, which is attracting the interest of potential occupiers not only in the immediate Reading catchment area, but across the South East.

“We have had lots of interest and we are confident we will have some news within the next few months regarding new tenants.”

The South East Activity Report, published last month, said: “Pepsi is seeking a suitable location for a headquarters in Reading.”

PepsiCo spokesman said: “We currently have no plans to move from Arlington Business Park, however we regularly review our property and facilities strategy.”

PepsiCo, which owns the Walkers, Quaker and Tropicana brands, employs more than 5,500 people at 13 sites across the UK and Ireland. Bill Gornall-King, president of Reading chamber of commerce, welcomed the potential inward investment in the town.

“This is great news,” he said. “It’s wonderful to have out-of-town companies like PepsiCo looking to relocate into Central Reading.

“We need to ensure that the heart of the city is vibrant. If we look at the history of Reading, it has attracted companies like Prudential to relocate to the town centre.

“Having another global company coming here, if it comes to pass, is a very good sign.”

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