A search has begun for a developer to build 618 apartments in Reading town centre.
Earlier this summer, Reading Borough Council revealed plans for its Minster Quarter scheme, which covers the former Civic Centre area between Broad Street Mall and Reading police station, including The Hexagon.
The vision includes 618 flats, a 90 bed hotel, and a new public space for people to gather and enjoy.
The council has chosen chartered surveyor firm Eddisons to procure a developer to turn the plan into a reality.
The Eddisons website states: “The Council is looking for a development partner who understands and shares their vision for this strategically significant site and has a commitment to, and experience of, working successfully in partnership to achieve outstanding development quality and place-making.”
As well as apartments, the developer would be expected to make flexible working and conference facilities and create an outdoor performance space.
Eddisons and the council will hold an event where prospective bidders can meet council leaders to view the proposals and consider taking on the scheme. It will take place at The Hexagon at 10am on Wednesday, September 14.
A brochure has been devised by Eddisons laying out the principles of the project.
The Minster Quarter plans has been opposed by the Green party.
Cllr David McElroy (Green, Redlands) said future occupants of the apartments “would have their eyeballs and lungs destroyed by the IDR” – referring to the A329 inner distributor road which runs to the west of the Minster Quarter site.
And Cllr Rob White (Green, Park), the leader of the opposition, criticised them for not pushing for 50% of the proposed apartments (309) to be affordable – the target is 30%, or 185 apartments, in line with current policy.
Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) the leader of the council, said this was an appropriate level to be economically viable to bidders.
During a meeting when the Minster Quarter project was being discussed, Cllr Brock said: “[This] is an aspirational goal, and we want to deliver high quality affordable housing on the site.
“If we find a partner who’s able to deliver more than that, I’m sure we’ll push it further, but I can guarantee we won’t.”
Once bids for the project are submitted, the winning bidder will be selected at a future council meeting.
