NEWS

The latest property stories coming out of the Thames Valley

05/18/2018

Mothercare closures in the Thames Valley

A tweet of a leaked list of Mothercare stores to close shows several branches in the Thames Valley. The retailer is carrying out a series of closures and rent reductions through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). The tweet by Glasgow-based Ditchfield Property (@DitchProp) suggests the longstanding outlet in King Street, Reading along with others in Guildford, Aldershot and Newbury are on the list of 50 which will close over the next 12 months while those where a rent reduction is to be
05/18/2018

M&G backs Lochailort's Thames Quarter scheme as work begins

Thames Quarter developer Lochailort has signed a development partnership with M&G Real Estate and Watkin Jones Plc for Reading's first Build to Rent (BTR) scheme of 315 flats. The temporary car park has closed at the former Cooper BMW site, and now, after a lengthy planning process, initial work has begun. The Thames Quarter homes should be ready for occupation in two and a half to three years. Watkin Jones will be the main contractor for Thames Quarter and a team from demolition contractor J
05/17/2018

Gorse Ride redevelopment approved

Councillors in Wokingham have approved the redevelopment of 1970s-built temporary homes in Gorse Ride. Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee approved the plans on Wednesday, May 16. The £30 million scheme will involve demolition of 176 houses in order to build 243. Committee member Cllr Prue Bray told the Wokingham Paper: “This is a really important project for the council because we have a number of houses in Gorse Ride that are not in a very good condition and we need to do
05/17/2018

Flats at former Auto Trader offices refused again

Plans to turn the former Auto Trader building in Earley into flats have been turned down for the second time. Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee rejected proposals by Equity Real Estate Developments to convert the building into 76 flats, despite a recommendation for approval by officers. Last year the council had rejected a previous scheme by the same developer to create 126 flats there.That scheme was also refused on appeal. Refusal was decided on the grounds that the proposed
05/16/2018

248 homes planned for Camberley

Plans for 248 properties at Camberley have been submitted by Nicholas King Homes. The application to Surrey Heath Borough Council is for a 21.2-hectare site at Water’s Edge, Mytchett. The developer plans 30 one-bedroom homes, 96 with two, 78 with three and 44 with four and four-plus bedrooms. The site is largely vacant but there are buildings which were intended to be used as a golf driving range and restaurant but are currently unused. The development is around a kilometre from both North
05/16/2018

TRA move highlights Reading's key role in the post-Brexit UK

Post-Brexit Reading has a bright future according to the town’s economic development boss. The Government announced at the end of last week, its new Trades Remedies Authority (TRA), established to take over powers from the EU to investigate unfair trade practices and unexpected surges in imports after Brexit, would be based in Reading, Berkshire and employ over 100 people. Trade minister Greg Hands said: “Leaving the EU gives us an opportunity to build new trade links and reach those markets
05/16/2018

'Help the Thames Valley by giving your views on WRLtH'

Thames Valley occupiers have been urged to take part in the latest consultation over the Western Rail Link to Heathrow. Network Rail’s six-week consultation is aimed at finalising designs for the direct rail service to Heathrow T5 through a 5km tunnel from the Great Western Main Line east of Slough, at Langley. Tim Smith, chief executive of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said: “We urge businesses of all sectors, sizes and location to contribute to this consultation. This is your chance to show
05/16/2018

1,175-home plan for former RAF Upper Heyford

New plans to redevelop the former RAF airbase at Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire have been submitted, showing a new village of 1,175 homes. Dorchester Living has applied to Cherwell District Council for planning permission for a scheme on the 520-hectare site, now known as Heyford Park, which, as well as the homes, includes: * 60 ‘close care’ houses which offer independent living with care home services * 35, 175 sq m of varied employment space * New retail * A medical centre * A 2.4-hectare site

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News

Mothercare closures in the Thames Valley

M&G backs Lochailort's Thames Quarter scheme as work begins

Gorse Ride redevelopment approved

Flats at former Auto Trader offices refused again

248 homes planned for Camberley

TRA move highlights Reading's key role in the post-Brexit UK

'Help the Thames Valley by giving your views on WRLtH'

1,175-home plan for former RAF Upper Heyford