Old Reading Library to Get Security Upgrade

The former main library in Reading is set to be sealed off to stop trespassers after services moved to a new Central Library in Bridge Street. The old building has been closed since mid‑May.

The new facility was opened on Thursday, June 18 by Liz Terry and Mayor Paul Gittings.

Reading Borough Council's property and assets team wants temporary security measures at the old library - hoarding, mesh screens and timber boarding at the entrance - to deter intruders, vandalism and anti‑social behaviour.

Those measures would be temporary while the council hopes a buyer will repurpose the building for housing; it was marketed on Rightmove in July 2024 as part of the sales process agreed earlier that year.

Senior planning officer Marcie Rejwerska said internal metal sheets would be fitted to windows to limit impact on the building's character, with external mesh at the rear for added security.

Using the building while vacant was looked at but judged not feasible, so it will remain unused for now.

Ms Rejwerska wrote: "The case officer has discussed with the applicant if a 'meanwhile' use could be considered for one of many local community groups that are in need of premises to operate from, however, it has been confirmed that the applicant [the council's own assets department] is not intending to bring the interior of the property to a standard suitable for this type of use."

Because the assets team proposed the works, the planning applications committee must approve them. A decision is due on Wednesday, July 22. Ms Rejwerska recommends approval on the condition that external measures, like timber hoardings, are removed within three years.

View the application with reference PL/26/0785 on the council planning portal. During the 2024 sales process the site was marketed for conversion into apartments, with the council expecting 30 per cent of any development to be designated affordable housing.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter