Hammerson’s plans to redevelop part of The Oracle shopping centre in Reading have been submitted to the council.
The developer has submitted proposals to Reading Borough Council for 449 Build-to-Rent flats, straddling the River Kennet at the eastern end of the scheme, along with 94,000 sq ft of workspace.
More than 100 people responded to feedback at a public consultation in August.
The scheme involves demolition of much of the former Debenhams store and the Vue Cinema. The Debenhams unit will make way for flats, some retail and co-working space while the cinema will make way for flats and a new cinema. There will also be new trees and public space.
Harry Badham, chief development & asset repositioning officer for Hammerson, said: “These proposals are designed to reinvigorate and reposition The Oracle by introducing sustainable new homes for rent, as well as incorporating new typologies and configurations of commercial space that will provide opportunities for new styles and types of retail, hospitality, services and amenities to enhance the customer experience.”
Mark Woodrow, joint managing director of Packaged Living which will develop and operate the homes, said: “We are delighted to be providing much needed housing to the local area. The scheme demonstrates our commitment to deliver properties that are fit for the future, combining high quality finishes with high energy efficiency, low carbon solutions and, importantly, lower costs for the residents that will live there.”
Sustainability measures include water source heat pumps which use the river to produce energy. There will also be cycle, pedestrian and public transport links. A BREEAM Excellent rating is being targeted for all the commercial areas.
The team on the project includes CRTKL on architecture, LDA Design on landscaping and Turley as planning consultant.
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