John Lewis submits plan for £80m housing project
BBCJohn Lewis plans to build 215 homes at an unused distribution centre.
The department store chain has submitted an application to Reading Borough Council for an £80m development.
The proposal would transform the warehouse opposite the Oracle shopping centre into energy-efficient homes, as well as 6,000 sq ft of internal amenity space, two gardens and a community space.
Katherine Russell, director of Build-To-Rent for John Lewis, said: "By revitalising brownfield land we have a fantastic opportunity to provide a significant number of homes."
The plans aim for 10% of the 215 rental flats to be designated as affordable homes.
If approved, it expects construction to start in early 2026.
Ms Russell added: “We have worked closely with Reading council’s planning officers, local residents and organisations to propose a scheme that will benefit residents and the wider community by transforming a disused industrial site into a thriving rental community.
"These will be homes not only developed by us, but managed by us, meaning we can offer quality service and a guarantee that homes will not be sold off, as so often happens in the rental market.”
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