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Reading Local Plan update: Large sites earmarked for new homes

James AldridgeLocal Democracy Reporting Service
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Sites considered include Sapphire Plaza, Reading Bridge House, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel

Several large sites, including office buildings and a hotel, could be converted to provide thousands of new homes in Reading.

Reading Borough Council issued a call for suggested sites earlier in the year as part of its Local Plan update.

A number of the sites have been considered by the council as acceptable places for new homes.

The Local Plan determines how planning applications will be decided for years to come.

The council published its draft partial update of the plan in late November, and it includes 17 sites that have been suggested for development by landowners.

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The Local Plan draft partial update also lists Reading Central Library, the Reading Link retail park, and a John Lewis depot

They include:

  • The Aquis House offices, which could be redeveloped into a mix of apartments and offices
  • Reading Central Library in Abbey Square could become a "residential-led" development, as the council is bringing the library part into the current civic offices in Bridge Street
  • The closed John Lewis depot site in Mill Lane has been identified for a 200-home built-to-rent residential development
  • The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Richfield Avenue could be fully or partially redeveloped with a restaurant, a major residential development, or a care home
  • The old Covea insurance office at Norman Place off Vastern Road has been identified as a site for up to 240 homes
  • Reading Bridge House, the 10-storey office building south of the Thames, could be converted into 300 to 400 apartments
  • Kennet Place offices, located on an island of the River Kennet, could be redeveloped to provide 60 to 100 homes
  • Sapphire Plaza and Royal Court next to Kennet Place could be redeveloped to provide between 250 to 400 homes and 3,000 sqm (9,843 sqft) of commercial space
  • The Reading Link retail park could become a mixed-use site of 2,300 sqm (7,546 sqft) of retail space and 200 homes

The partial update to the Local Plan is undergoing a consultation, with the deadline for responses being 31 January.

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