PLANS to make temporary use of Reading Gaol as a training site for Thames Valley Police (TVP) have suddenly been shelved.
TVP applied to use the site for both classroom-based and practical firearms training, but those plans have been stemmed following consultations with the new owners of the Gaol, The Ziran Education Foundation.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police announced that the proposition had been shelved “at the request of the owners who wish to concentrate on their plans.”
While long-term plans for Reading Gaol, which has been vacant for more than a decade, are still in the early stages, police applied to use the site for training purposes in the meantime.
Their proposal would have seen a mixture of classroom-based and scenario-based firearms training in the gaol, alongside their current training facilities in Sulhamstead, for around five years.
Officers aimed to use some of the site’s existing buildings to create ‘real-world’ scenarios using blank rounds.
A maximum of 14 students and six firearms instructors would have used the site once or twice a week between the hours of 8am and 4pm.
The site has been vacant for more than a decade with the last inmates being moved from the prison in November 2013.
After a sale process which saw the Ministry of Justice selling the Prison for £7 million, purchaser the Ziran Education Foundation announced back in March its intentions to use the site.
Plans include disparate use of the Gaol, as the foundation was reportedly in talks with design firms, as well as plans to discuss its future use with both the University of Reading and Reading Borough Council.,
A spokesperson for The Ziran Education Foundation said they were “thrilled” to share their ‘vision’ for the site, which will be based on three priorities.
The spokesperson said: “First, in partnership with a distinguished design firm, we’re exploring innovative solutions, including the integration of AI technology.
“Our aspiration is to create robots tailored to our unique requirements, complementing human efforts in select areas of the premises.
“Furthermore, we’re envisioning the establishment of a distinctive art museum, museum, and an art-inspired hotel.
“Secondly, collaboration with the University of Reading holds immense significance for us.
“We’re eager to delve into detailed discussions and mutually beneficial initiatives in conjunction with the esteemed institution.
“Thirdly, we hold immense respect for Reading Borough Council and plan to engage them in dialogue, seeking their guidance as we progress with our plans.
“Our foremost aim is to contribute positively to Reading’s cultural landscape and bolster tourism efforts.”
The announcement that the prison had been sold to the foundation was made by the Ministry of Justice on January 11.
A ministry spokesperson said proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in the wider prison estate “to help reduce reoffending and protect the public.”
The cost of leaving the prison closed for over a decade left the government short by an estimated £2.5-3 million according to an ITV report, but no exact figure has been given by the Ministry.
