Police have asked to use the empty Reading Gaol for firearms training after consultation with the site’s current owner.
A planning application to Reading Borough Council from Thames Valley Police (TVP) seeks to use the site, currently owned by the Ziran Education Foundation, for a temporary period of five years which would be in addition to its training facilities at Sulhamstead.
TVP wants ‘real-world’ scenario-based locations. It would typically use the prison once or twice a week between 8am and 4pm involving a maximum of 14 students and six firearms offices. Blank rounds will be used rather than any live ammunition.
The application states: “TVP has worked closely alongside the owner of the site, who have helped facilitate this opportunity to enhance training functions for TVP officers.”
Cllr Micky Leng, Reading Borough Council’s lead for planning, said: “As the town awaits more details on how the new owner, Mr Channing Bi, and his associates plan to develop the site, the Council has received this application by Thames Valley Police for a temporary training use.
“The prison, as we know, has been vacant for far too many years since it was abruptly shut down by the Ministry of Justice back in 2013.
“TVP’s application proposes making practical use of what remains a vacant site, pending further progress on a longer-term vision.
“As is always the case, the application will be considered on its planning merits.”
The application can be seen at https://publicregister.reading.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0zP2000003x5A1IAI/pl241222?c__r=Arcus_BE_Public_Register&tabset-7417a=3
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