Reading Set to Decide on 600 New Homes, More Flats, More Question

Plans for almost 600 new flats in Reading town centre are set to face a key decision, as councillors prepare to consider the detailed proposals for the third phase of the major Station Hill development. Reading Borough Council planning committee is due to decide on plans for Phase 3A, which would create 598 new homes across two apartment blocks. The proposal forms part of one of the largest redevelopment projects in Reading town centre. 598 homes across two new blocks The proposed development would replace the former Xafinity House, a multi-storey office building that is no longer in use. The 598 flats would be made up of- 34 studios 330 one-bedroom flats 214 two-bedroom flats 22 three-bedroom flats The scheme would also include 75 affordable rental homes. These would comprise three three-bedroom flats, 27 two-bedroom flats and 45 one-bedroom flats. This represents 12.5% affordable housing, below Reading Borough Council's policy target of 30%. Third phase of Station Hill redevelopment The proposals are the latest stage of the long running Station Hill regeneration project, which has already brought new homes, restaurants and office space to the town centre. The first phase involved the redevelopment of the former Friars Walk shopping centre site, with apartments and venues including the Siren Craft bar forming part of the scheme. The second phase saw the construction of One Station Hill on the former Garrard Street multi-storey car park site. The wider development has already delivered hundreds of homes, while the latest proposal would add another significant residential element to the town centre. Outline planning permission for the project was granted in July 2021, with the detailed designs to be considered at a later stage. Design changed from original proposal The latest plans differ from the original design submitted for the third phase. Instead of a single L shaped building, developers have proposed two separate apartment blocks. According to Steve Vigar, the council's planning team leader, the proposed design would provide what he described as a high standard of architecture and could have a positive impact on Reading's townscape. The assessment considers how the buildings would appear both from nearby locations and from other viewpoint around the town. Demolition of Xafinity House One of the most visible changes would be the demolition of the existing Xafinity House building. The vacant multi-storey office block would have to be removed to make way for the new residential buildings. The redevelopment would therefore transform another prominent part of Reading's town centre, continuing the wider shift towards residential and mixed use development around the Station Hill area. Car free development The proposed scheme would operate largely as a car free development. Only four parking spaces for disabled residents are proposed, while the development would provide 337 cycle spaces. The approach reflects the project's town centre location and aims to encourage residents to use public transport, cycling and walking rather than relying on private cars. Affordable housing remains a key issue While the proposal would bring hundreds of new homes to the town centre, the level of affordable housing is likely to remain an important consideration for councillors. Of the 598 proposed flats, 75 would be affordable rental homes, equivalent to 12.5% of the development. That is considerably below the council stated 30% affordable housing policy target. The planning committee will therefore have to weigh the wider benefits of the development against issues including the proportion of affordable housing, design, transport and the impact of almost 600 additional homes on the town centre. Decision could shape Readings town centre The decision on Phase 3A represents another major step for the Station Hill regeneration project. If approved, the scheme would replace a vacant office building with two new residential blocks and bring hundreds of additional residents into the centre of Reading. Supporters argue that the project would improve the townscape and contribute to the regeneration of the area, while the affordable housing provision and impact of the development will be among the issues facing councillors. For Reading, the decision is about more than simply adding another 598 homes. It is another test of how the town balances large-scale regeneration, housing demand, affordability, transport and the character of its town centre.