PART of The Oracle could be transformed into a new retail destination and a place for hundreds of people to live as fresh plans for the centre have been revealed.
Hammerson, the company which owns The Oracle shopping centre in Reading, has launched a consultation on its plan to change the eastern portion of the site into apartments, shared working and public spaces.
Its vision is to redevelop the former Debenhams and Vue Cinema to provide approximately 475 rental apartments, flexible co-working spaces and new leisure and entertainment facilities.
A website has been set up by planning agents Turley to gather public opinion on the proposal.
The plan is in its embryonic stages and no application has been submitted to Reading Borough Council so far.
It could meet opposition as a development of approximately 475 homes at The Oracle does not feature in the Reading Local Plan, which was adopted in 2019.
The Local Plan does refer to an extension of The Oracle, between the River Kennet and Mill Lane, for 1,600–2,000 square metres of new retail space with use of a site at Letcombe Street for a public car park.
The council asked that any development addresses the risk of flooding and site contamination and enhances the conservation area.
However, there is no mention of homes or flexible office space envisioned for the site in the Local Plan.
Hammerson’s planning agents, Turley, are seeking views about the proposal online at https://www.theoracleconsultation.co.uk/
An in person event will take place at The Oracle on Friday, August 12, between 11am and 4pm in the former Crew unit, located on level one.
If unable to attend, the information will also be available to view at the old store from Friday, August 12, to Friday, August 26.
There will also be a live webinar to provide further information on Tuesday, August 23, between 6pm and 7pm, which you can register for on the consultation website.
The former Debenhams unit was taken over by Next Beauty at Home in December 2020.
It is unclear how long Next has a lease for the unit.
As for the cinema, the website states the proposal would reconfigure the existing amenity to ensure it provides a high-quality film experience for customers.
