Future of Reading Gaol Still Uncertain

Questions remain over the future of Reading Prison two years after it was sold to the Ziran Education Foundation, headed by Chinese millionaire Channing Bi, who bought the site for £7 million from the Ministry of Justice in January 2024.

At a full council meeting on 13 October, Councillor Richard Walkem (Green, Coley) asked:

"Reports earlier in the year about the future of Reading Gaol have raised more questions about when firm plans will come forward."

"Reading Gaol is an important historic site."

"Green Party councillors want to see it brought back into use in a way that protects its heritage, benefits the community, and includes truly affordable housing."

"Can an update be given on the council's discussions with the owners of Reading Gaol, what progress has been made towards a planning application and a genuine consultation with residents on the owners' plans and the future of the site?"

The question was answered by Micky Leng (Labour, Whitley), lead councillor for planning and assets. He said:

"I agree that Reading Gaol is one of our town's most important heritage assets and has the potential to become a landmark cultural destination."

"I am keen to see a sustainable future secured for the site that respects its unique history while opening it up for the benefit of residents, visitors and future generations."

"Any development or future use of the site should celebrate the Gaol's heritage, support culture and creativity, and contribute positively to the wider regeneration and economic vitality of Reading."

The council says it identified the site in its Local Plan and a 2015 Reading Prison Framework, but it is waiting for the Ziran Education Foundation to hold a pre-application consultation before a planning application is submitted.

Leng added:

"We have sought to engage with the owners at every opportunity."

"Officers have set out the terms of a Planning Performance Agreement to the owner and the representatives to identify timescales and processes to manage any pre-application enquiry and application, and are awaiting their response."

"We do not currently have a timescale from the owner as to when a pre-application will be entered into, nor any successor planning application come forward."

"I am not in a position to say anything further at this time as we await the pre-application, but please be assured that I consider this to be a matter of the highest priority for Reading."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter