A READING-BASED community organisation that supports people facing homelessness, poverty, loneliness, and social isolation, is deeply disappointed to have lost its opportunity to secure a lease for the Cattle Market Café.
The Way Ministry Reading, which offers practical assistance, outreach activities, and community events in partnerships across the town, has been told it has been unsuccessful in its bid to secure the lease for the Reading site.
The charity has expressed its deep disappointment after learning that it will not be awarded the lease for the former Cattle Market Café on Great Knollys Street, despite having received planning approval for a change of use and investing significant time, effort, and vision into the project.
Earlier this year, local media reported that The Way Ministry had been granted permission to transform the former café into a community hub that would provide support for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, loneliness, and social isolation.
The project was intended to create a welcoming space where people could access practical help, companionship, hot meals, free food, advice and community activities.
The decision by Reading Borough Council not to proceed with The Way Ministry as the new tenant is a significant disappointment for the charity, its volunteers, supporters, and the many local residents who were looking forward to seeing the building brought back into community use.
Grace Gomez from The Way Ministry Reading said: “We are naturally saddened by this outcome.
“We genuinely believed the Cattle Market Café could become a place of hope, belonging and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
“Following extensive discussions and negotiations regarding the Heads of Terms, we were surprised to be informed that there is insufficient time remaining on the proposed lease for the charity to make effective use of the building.
“This is particularly disappointing given that the tender was originally issued for a short-term lease running until March 2028.
“Throughout the process, we have invested a significant amount of time, effort and resources into developing our proposals and plans for the site.
“We genuinely believed the building would provide an excellent base from which to expand our support for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social isolation within the Reading community.
“While we respect the Council’s decision, we cannot hide our disappointment at the outcome, especially after months of constructive engagement and negotiations.
“We remain convinced that the venue could have made a meaningful difference to many local people who rely on the services and support our charity provides.”
Despite the setback, The Way Ministry Reading remains committed to its mission of serving the people of Reading.
“While this door has closed, our work continues,” Grace said.
“Every week we see the impact that community support can have on people’s lives. “The need for our services has not gone away, and neither has our determination to make a difference.”
The charity is now appealing to landlords, property owners, businesses, churches, community organisations, and local partners who may be able to help identify a suitable alternative premises within Reading.
The organisation is seeking a building that can accommodate community activities, food provision, support services, storage facilities, and a kitchen area, allowing it to continue and expand its outreach programmes.
“We know there is a building out there that can become the home our community needs,” Grace added.
“We would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help us find a suitable property.
“With the right premises, we can continue building a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.”
Anyone able to assist with potential premises or partnership opportunities is asked to email: thewayministryreading@outlook.com, call: 07410 622399, or visit: thewayministryreading.co.uk
