This site was first used in March 1976, as the then named Radio 210's sole FM transmitter. The service area covers, the town of Reading, plus a rural area south and west of the town. Reception is also possible in parts of Basingstoke, Wokingham, Maidenhead, and Newbury.
The shopping centre was at that time named the Butts Centre.
In 1985, the station won the new ILR franchise for Reading, Basingstoke and Andover, and consequently Hannington took to the air with a coverage area that totally consumes that of Broad St Mall. However the transmitter has been retained, as reception of Hannington in parts of Reading town centre is poor.
For the same reason, the BBC established a transmitter at the site in 1990 for Radio Berkshire.
Previously 2-Ten offered alternative programming for Reading (mainly Football coverage of Reading FC) from the site, whilst continuing their core services from Hannington. |