Plans by The Oracle Reading to build more than 400 Build-to-Rent flats have been recommended for approval.
Just days after the shopping and leisure centre came under the full ownership of Hammerson, council officers have suggested councillors approve its future plans to redevelop areas either side of the River Kennet at the authority’s December 3 planning applications committee meeting.
The two planning applications, each for up to 218 flats, are being considered as one agenda item.
The first involves partial demolition of the former Debenhams store on the northern side of the river for flats and 1,209 sq m of commercial space.
The remaining 5,866 sq m section of the former department store will be converted to bar or leisure uses. There will be new public realm and a new entrance to the centre.
On the southern side, flats will replace the existing Vue Cinema, along with up to 3,046 sq m commercial space comprising a new cinema and other ground floor commercial uses.
While both applications are recommended for approval, each is dependent upon a legal agreement being signed by February 13.
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