AN ARTS group could be the new custodians of the historic Cemetery Junction arch.
Reading Borough Council had put the Grade II listed building up for sale, but with no takers it is now set to approve a proposal by the with Junction Arch Heritage & Arts (JAHA).
This will be for an initial term of 18 months, allowing them time to prepare an application for a loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) to restore the Grade II listed structure. The council says that if JAHA is successful, and if it secures planning permission, a 250-year lease of the property would be granted.
The proposal will be voted on at a meeting of the Policy Committee on Monday, July 12.
Reaidng Borough Council says that it feels JAHA’s proposal would provide wider economic, community and social wellbeing opportunities for Reading.
And JAHA says its aims and objectives are to create a community space for both work and leisure, together with affordable office space for social enterprises.
It also has aspirations to work with the Council and local businesses on a plan to regenerate the Cemetery Junction area.
There would be two phases to the plan, the first would focus on conservation of the building, creating the office space and a food court area.
The second phase would see an exhibition space create, and the installation of a single storey building and gardens for local businesses and community groups.
The news has been welcomed by Reading Borough Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Tony Page.
“Reading’s Grade II listed Cemetery Arch is one of our most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks,” he said. “The Council’s proposal is to offer JAHA an 18-month window to develop its plans for a Heritage and Arts Hub further by bidding for relevant heritage funding streams.
“JAHA’s bid offers Reading by far the best value in terms of the wider community benefits, which is why the Council is pleased to offer it this important window of opportunity.
“We wish JAHA well in their bids for funding from a variety of heritage grants. We look forward to good news on this front, and to watching their plans develop in the months to come.”
