I’ve covered this major scheme already, but with the full plans now visible online we can see all the details. The proposed 449 build-to-rent apartments are split either side of the river, with 202 on the Debenhams side and 247 on the Vue side. The cinema stays but is reduced from 11 to 7 screens. The visual above shows the scheme from the east, with the buildings reducing down to five storeys at the London Street end, with rooflines vaguely echoing the former bus depot that many will remember from the site’s former life.
Continue reading “Oracle East plans – detailed plans published”HexBox and library relocation plans win government funds
This week it was revealed the council has secured £19.1M to progress with two highly significant projects. The Hexagon will gain a 200-seat studio theatre for performances and community use, along with a new accessible entrance foyer to the existing 950-seat main theatre. Meanwhile, the central library will relocate to a new extension of the council’s Bridge Street civic offices.
Continue reading “HexBox and library relocation plans win government funds”The front-runners for 2023
The end of the year is the obvious opportunity to review the past 12 months, and to look at what’s to come during the next lap of sun. After a tumultuous year internationally, and nationally for that matter, let’s keep things local for a few minutes. 2022 saw a number of projects galloping forwards, whilst others seem perpetually stuck in the traps. One project that’s come up on the rails from nowhere is the Oracle’s major scheme, which was submitted for planning permission this week – more on that shortly. But let’s take a more leisurely canter through the runners and riders for 2023.
Continue reading “The front-runners for 2023”Friar Street – Finding the Way Forward
Recent months have seen a flurry of new and altered plans for developments along Friar Street, as well as construction continuing on the new Friars Walk. Let’s take a look through the progress, and the context of how this street fits within the evolving story of Reading Town Centre.
Continue reading “Friar Street – Finding the Way Forward”Oracle East – Sizing it up
New concept proposals have been revealed for the eastern part of The Oracle, comprising the former Debenhams and current cinema sites. The idea has been put forward for consultation, but here I explore whether we can really afford to be too demanding in our response.
Continue reading “Oracle East – Sizing it up”Jury’s Inn Plan Swaps Sites
London-based developer Thackeray has revealed new plans for a Jury’s Inn on the site of Revolucion de Cuba, formerly occupied by HMV for those with long enough memories. The hotel chain had been in line to anchor a redevelopment of the old Bristol & West Arcade opposite the town hall, but that scheme fell through and the site sold on. The online consultation event, organised by Reading Civic Society, revealed further details…
Continue reading “Jury’s Inn Plan Swaps Sites”Bowl Central, Caversham Road
A new tenant has been announced for the former Dawson’s Music shop on Caversham Road. Subject to licensing and planning, “Bowl Central” would be the third venture for the south-coast operator and would feature “Pins & Prizes” – aka bowling and arcade games.
Continue reading “Bowl Central, Caversham Road”Blue Collar Opening Countdown… Interview
Saturday 12th March brings the long-awaiting opening for Blue Collar Corner on Hosier Street. Owner Glen Dinning kindly took a few minutes to update us on the preparations…
Continue reading “Blue Collar Opening Countdown… Interview”Cosmo Corner – Future Friar Street
New proposals have emerged for a 103-home build-to-rent scheme adjacent to the Station Hill development on Friar Street. The developer, Shaviram Group, held an online consultation and has published materials online where you can provide your feedback. Here’s what I picked up on this latest residential plan for Reading town centre.
Continue reading “Cosmo Corner – Future Friar Street”A closer look at Kings Meadow View
Another vast new residential regeneration project has been unveiled this week. This time it’s Forbury Retail Park in the spotlight. As always, I went along to the public consultation to see what’s going on. I’ll try to cover the facts, but I can’t help but express more than one central reservation about these new plans.
Continue reading “A closer look at Kings Meadow View”