Reading Central Library is likely to be extended upwards and converted to housing under a proposal to go before councillors on Monday (June 10).
Reading Borough Council’s policy committee will decide on an officers’ recommendation to market the King’s Road building with Savills, subject to planning to extend and convert it to around 46 homes.
The library is to move to a new site at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street as part of a £19.1 million Levelling Up funding (LUF) from the Government which will fund both the Hexagon Theatre extension and the new library.
A document to support the Levelling Up funding bid had proposed demolition and redevelopment of the current library building but its position close to the Abbey Ruins makes that unlikely.
The agenda to Monday’s meeting states: “Although the LUF bid document also refers to the demolition of Central Library building to make way for the 46 new homes and help address the housing shortage in Reading, it is now recognised that it may not be possible to demolish it given the potential archaeological implications associated with any excavations on this site.
“Additionally, valuation advice has been sought and the advice places a higher value on upwards extension and retention of the existing building, which would also have the benefit of reducing embodied carbon. What the market dictates is the best value for the site will not be certain until marketing commences.”
The move to the Bridge Street site and subsequent closure of the King’s Road site, which opened in 1985, is likely to take place in 2025. Four tenants in the building have been told they should make arrangements to leave by the end of this year.
Reading Family History Society has agreed a move to Battle Library, REDA and Reading Voluntary Action are currently making arrangements and Sustrans has already moved out.
Image: Google.
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