A huge project to replace a former Ministry of Justice building in Reading town centre with more than 260 flats has cleared a crucial hurdle.
Greyfriars House, which previously served as a probation office, will be demolished and replaced with 266 ‘co-living’ flats in the coming years.
Elsewhere, work is near completion on the conversion of offices into 43 flats along a busy road in the town, and a brewery is due to occupy a new site at an industrial estate.
You can view each plan approved by Reading Borough Council by typing the reference in brackets into the council’s planning portal.
Co-living flats clears planning hurdle (PL/24/1501)
The project to replace Greyfriars House with 266 co-living flats has cleared a crucial hurdle.
The plan that will see the probation office near Friar Street knocked down, was approved by councillors at a planning applications committee meeting in April.
The project was given the go-ahead subject to a section 106 legal agreement being met between applicants Elder Developments and the council.
The agreement involves an £891,500 contribution to affordable housing, and was signed on August 28.
Office conversion completed (PL/25/0994)
The former Alexander House offices in Kings Road have been converted into 43 one and two-bed flats.
Featuring on the Three Sixty Space website, the apartment complex boasts rooms equipped with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and high-performance insulation to promote lower energy consumption and reduced utility costs.
Final reports relating to energy and water efficiency and compliance with building regulations were signed off by a planning officer on August 26.
The complex is located between two other apartment buildings leading to Cemetery Junction.
Reading brewing company taking over new premises (PL/25/0943)
A brewing company has won permission to take over an industrial building in West Reading.
The company sought a legal certificate for the conversion of the building in Bridgewater Close from its current use as a metal fabrication business into a brewery.
The company stated: “The function of this tap room will be to allow customers to enjoy our product where it is at its best and freshest, and to try before deciding whether or not to purchase cans of beer to take home.”
Solar panels for private hospital (PL/25/0439)
The Spire Dunedin private hospital in Bath Road has won permission to add 20 solar panels to its Vicarage Building.
The project involves stripping of the pitched roof and removal of chimneys so that new roofing and solar panels can be installed.
Although it is in a conservation area, the Vicarage Building is not listed, with the works being deemed acceptable by the council’s planning department.
