FOR more than a century, people have been celebrating the Ballad of Reading Gaol. Now, they’re lamenting the saga of Reading Gaol.
It is nearly 10 years since the prison closed its doors for good and the young offenders were moved on. We are still no closer to finding out what will happen to the site.
The Ministry of Justice is in talks with its preferred bidder, but it is unknown as to whether the historic site will be sold, or if Reading Borough Council’s bid to turn it into an arts and cultural hub could be put back on the table.
There are fears that the site could become flats or a hotel, rather than a monument not just to famous inmate Oscar Wilde, but Reading’s history.
The main building dates back to 1842, and was one of the earliest designs by Sir George Gilbert Scott, but the area was once home to the Compter Gaol, which dates back to 1560.
And the area is intrinsically linked to Reading Abbey, which is right next door.
In February, Reading’s MPs Matt Rodda and Sir Alok Sharma met with the prisons minister Damian Hinds to discuss the future of the gaol site, pointing out the support from celebrities such as Banksy, who created the mural, actors including Dame Judi Dench and Stephen Fry.
They also raised the support from the Save Reading Gaol campaign, a grassroots initiative from Reading people. Events have included a hug around the gaol site, and a march through Reading town centre.
Mr Rodda spoke in parliament last month on the issue: “I would like to address my remarks to the question of the future of Reading gaol, which is a Grade II listed building.
“Locally, we would like to see this historic building reused as an arts and heritage hub and preserved for the community, possibly with some support from outside benefactors.”
As a result, Mr Hinds arranged another meeting and this took place last week, before parliament broke up for the summer.
“The Ministry of Justice are still negotiating with their preferred bidder, but they are not able to tell me who that is,” the Reading East MP told Reading Today.
“I believe it is a commercial builder, and I reminded the ministry that Reading Borough Council’s bid is still on the table and asked them to remember that and consider a different approach.
“They will reassess the situation if the deal falls through.”
Mr Rodda believes public shows of support for the site to be turned into a centre of excellence for arts and heritage are important.
“If it becomes an arts centre, it will have huge benefits to the town,” he continued. “It will bring extra footfall to the shops and businesses – there is a real economic benefit to this.”
Given the complexity of the site, Mr Rodda has some doubts that any preferred bidder will want to develop the site.
“It’s a very old building,” he explained. “Maybe the ministry has to come full circle, and the council bid is the only way forward. I think it’s still possible.
“My message to the community is to keep campaigning for it.”
The Ministry of Justice was contacted for a comment.
