NEWS

The latest property stories coming out of the Thames Valley

07/19/2018

Revised urban market scheme rejected

Revised designs for the urban market planned for the Reading’s Broad Street Mall have been thrown out by council planners. Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee decided the latest version of the shipping container market, a more enclosed concept than the previously consented version, was unsuitable. Police had also raised concerns about the market as a drinking venue. Both Cllr Karen Rowland and Cllr Tony Page spoke ruefully about having to oppose the new scheme, saying it
07/19/2018

Mixed-use scheme approved for Reading's Bristol & West arcade

Plans by Sonic Star Properties to redevelop Reading’s Bristol & West Arcade for a mix of shops, offices, a pub and 43 flats have been approved. Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee approved the developer’s two applications for the site although a number of councillors opposed the plans on heritage grounds. The scheme involves demolition of the arcade on Friar Street for an eight-storey building plus basement which has 35 flats, 4,208 sq m of B1 (business) offices and five
07/19/2018

Go-ahead for £14m Bulmershe Leisure Centre

Permission has been granted for the £14 million redevelopment of Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley. Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee approved the wholesale redevelopment of the Woodlands Avenue centre, next to Bulmershe School, on July 17. Demolition of the existing 1970s structure is due to start within weeks so it can take place during school holidays. The new building will include a six-lane 25m swimming pool with movable floor, a 75-unit gym, a four-court sports hall, a new
07/18/2018

Approval for 500 Oxfordshire homes

Two planning applications for a total of almost 500 homes have been approved by Vale of White Horse District Council. Gallagher Estates and Gleeson’s application for up to 400 homes on a site at Monks Farm, Townsend, Grove will bring the total approved on it and nearby land to over 768. The overall site is identified in the adopted Local Plan for 885 in total. The plans, initially for up to 456 homes and a new primary school have been amended to 400 and an extension to the existing Grove C of
07/18/2018

Consultations begin over two major Reading schemes

Two public consultations have been launched over major schemes in Reading. The draft document about Hosier Street regeneration is live from Friday, July 20 at http://www.reading.gov.uk/hosier_street Hard copies of the document - the Draft Hosier Street Area Development Framework - are also available to view at the Central Library and the Reading Borough Council offices in Bridge Street. In addition, public exhibitions will be held in the Hexagon Theatre foyer where council officers will be on
07/18/2018

Three deals complete at Harwell

Three deals have been signed at the Harwell Campus just as the site’s latest developments are unveiled. Aerospace giant, Lockheed Martin; gym provider, Fitness Experts and an artisan café called Pierrepoints have signed up for a total of 7,300 sq ft. The deals complete lettings at the most recent phase of the park’s development – an area of 165,000 sq ft. And they coincide with practical completion of the 43,000 sq ft Quad One office and laboratory building and the 60,000 sq ft Zephyr
07/18/2018

The Blade unveils new business lounge

A new space has been created at The Blade in Reading which has turned its reception area into a modern business lounge with wi-fi and free coffee. Owner Northwood Investments has created the new 2,500 sq ft lounge so that occupiers can hold meetings, work collaboratively or give their visitors a better experience while they wait. The ground floor space, previously used by Kaplan, which has re-jigged its offices, is now open to all those in the 110,000 sq ft building. Northwood asset
07/17/2018

Congestion charge could fund third Thames bridge

Congestion charging or a workplace parking levy (WPL) in Reading could help fund a third Thames bridge. Councillors on Reading Borough Council’s policy committee agreed on Monday, July 16, to look into implementing one or more of four options to tackle congestion and air quality issues - and a system is likely to be in place in just over two years. The options are: * A WPL similar to that operating in Nottingham * A clean air zone/low emission zone (LEZ) * Road charging * A package of measures

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Independent Property
NEWS & VIEWS

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News

Revised urban market scheme rejected

Mixed-use scheme approved for Reading's Bristol & West arcade

Go-ahead for £14m Bulmershe Leisure Centre

Approval for 500 Oxfordshire homes

Consultations begin over two major Reading schemes

Three deals complete at Harwell

The Blade unveils new business lounge

Congestion charge could fund third Thames bridge