Plans that will transform the skyline in Reading with more than 1,000 flats have been given the go-ahead this year.
Plans that will change Reading's skyline with more than 1,000 flats were approved by councillors this year, with major projects around Broad Street Mall, Greyfriars Road, Crossland Road and Friar Street getting the go‑ahead.
Broad Street Mall (PL/24/0173)
An existing scheme to add hundreds of homes to Broad Street Mall has been revised and approved. After the mall was sold to AEW in June 2022 and new safety rules on tall buildings (requiring two staircases) were introduced in March 2024, the plan was adjusted to four towers at the rear of the site containing 643 apartments and partial demolition of the existing mall. Councillors approved the development on 30 April.
Greyfriars House (PL/24/1501)
Councillors approved the demolition of Greyfriars House and a 13‑storey 'co‑living' block of 266 flats on Greyfriars Road on 2 April. The scheme gives residents private rooms and bathrooms with shared kitchens, living areas and facilities such as a gym, workspace, games room and laundry. No affordable homes will be provided in the building itself, but applicant Elder Developments has agreed to pay £3.566 million to the council in instalments to fund affordable housing elsewhere in the town.
John Lewis customer collection centre (PL/24/1155)
The former John Lewis customer collection centre in Crossland Road will be demolished to make way for an eight‑storey building containing 170 flats, managed by John Lewis and for rent only. The scheme was scaled back from 215 flats; 27 apartments will be at affordable rent levels. Councillors approved the plans on 8 October.
Taken together, those three developments account for 1,079 approved flats this year.
Cosmo replacement (PL/22/0933)
The Friar Street building that houses the Cosmo buffet will be replaced by a new tower with 103 flats, plus demolition of the neighbouring townhouse (formerly 9Round Boxing Gym) and re‑provision of a restaurant to replace Cosmo. Councillors approved the scheme in September 2024, subject to a section 106 agreement that was signed on 19 November. That agreement includes provision of 33 affordable flats, a £26,804.75 employment and skills plan (ESP) contribution, and £1,800 towards carbon offsetting in the town.
And one that wasn’t decided
A proposal to create 436 flats at The Oracle — demolishing the Vue cinema for three towers with 218 apartments, a new cinema and a restaurant, and partially demolishing the former Debenhams for two towers with a further 218 apartments, leisure space, co‑working and a restaurant — was due to be decided on 8 December. Councillors deferred the decision to carry out an accompanied site visit with planning officers; a verdict is now expected in January or February next year.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
