Carters outdoor activity store was a Berkshire-based business for 199 years selling winter sports clothing, skiing equipment and more.
Starting out in Thatcham in 1820, Carters moved to Reading in 1962, being open in the town for decades before closing in the winter of 2019.
The building it occupied has been completely demolished to make way for 60 homes along Caversham Road, right near its roundabout junction with Vastern Road.
Recently, photographer Steve Franklin took images looking into the development site, which is currently obscured by hoardings.
The photos show the foundations of the new homes being laid by construction workers, with the bell tower of the EP Collier Primary School in the background.
Five new buildings are being constructed, made up of three apartment blocks, a terrace of six houses and a terrace of four houses.
The development is taking place after Bellway Homes won approval to build the new homes at a Reading Borough Council planning applications committee meeting last February.
The new addresses will be called ‘Carter’s Close’ in honour of the business’s 57 year history on the site.
Mr Franklin posted that he took the photos in a ‘flight’ implying they were taken using a drone on Sunday, September 15.
Bellway Homes has called the development Carter’s Court, with this naming featuring on the hoardings.
READ MORE: Institution store completely demolished to make way for new homes
Once complete, it will provide 10 four-bed houses, and three apartment blocks made up of 21 one-bed, 18 two-bed and 11 three-bed flats, with 30 per cent of these homes being designated affordable.
The company has argued that Carter’s Close is ideally placed for those looking for careers and a vibrant town to settle in.
Emma Russell, sales director at Bellway said: “Reading is in a strong position to make the most of the UK’s booming technology sector, providing plentiful career opportunities locally, as well as easy access to London.
“At the same time, it offers all the charm of traditional town life, including beautiful riverside parks and outstanding-rated schools.
“We are delighted to be launching new homes at Carter’s Court to match the high-quality lifestyle expectations of local residents.”
For drivers, 30 car parking spaces will be established, with 38 bicycle spaces being provided as well.
The development was allowed to begin after Bellway Homes entered into a section 106 legal agreement laying out the financial contributions it would make to the council in September last year.
The address name of ‘Carter’s Close’ was agreed by councillors at a meeting in January.
Bellway Homes is also in charge of replacing Dee Road Fire Station in Tilehurst with 54 homes, with this development being called ‘Watchman’s Place’.