A CONSULTATION has been launched for a prospective development that would see a Thameside office building replaced with 260 apartments.
Packaged Living is proposing the scheme at Norman Place in Vastern Road, just north of Reading train station. It is an empty six-storey office previously occupied by Covea Insurance and next to Thames Water’s headquarters.
If approved, the scheme would see existing buildings demolished and six blocks, some interconnected, erected in their place.
Packaged Living is also seeking to build 449 flats at The Oracle, as the provider and manager of the flats in partnership with the centre owners Hammerson.
For the Norman Place project, its consultation is open before a planning application is submitted.
{{{image.967700}}}
Its website states the developers want to create a ‘high quality’ place to live with ‘best in class’ public realm, new commercial space and a sustainable development with an aim to create net zero carbon housing.
“This area of Reading is a hidden gem, with the waterfront currently underutilised and those coming out of the station cut off from the river by this vacant office building,” it continues.
“We want to open up and improve the public realm along the riverside so that many more people can enjoy the waterfront, creating a fantastic place to live and a new waterfront destination for the wider community.”
All of the flats provided by Packaged Living will be build-to-rent, and managed by the company.
It aims to submit a plan this spring. If approved by Reading Borough Council, construction would begin next year for completion in 2026.
Packaged Living has suggested the site for development as part of the Local Plan Partial Update process. Alternative suggestions are for 110-185 homes, or a conversion of Norman Place into 70-80 flats.
The council’s consultation into the partial update closes on Wednesday, January 31. You can take part on its Consult Reading website.
To give feedback on Norman Place, log on to: normanplace.co.uk, or email: info@normanplace.co.uk
