Progress on plan for 600 flats near Reading stadium

Years ago, Reading Borough Council approved outline plans for hundreds of flats, shops and leisure facilities next to the Reading FC ground.

Now the gargantuan scheme is making its way through the planning process.

Elsewhere, progress is being made on a project to spruce up a prominent building in Market Place, and moves are being made to get a closed pub ready to open again.

Progress on hundreds of flats next to Reading stadium (231715)

Reading Chronicle: A foundations sketch for one of the buildings for the massive Royal Elm Park development in Whitley. Credit: RambollA foundations sketch for one of the buildings for the massive Royal Elm Park development in Whitley. Credit: Ramboll

Reading Football Club Property Company is moving ahead with its project for a massive development next to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The company won outline approval to build 626 flats, a hotel, serviced apartments and leisure space back in 2018.

READ MORE: Royal Elm Park development next to Reading FC stadium given the go ahead 

The developer has now submitted evidence that pre-commencement works have been undertaken and planning conditions have been complied with, clearing the way for construction to start.

A submitted sketch appears to show the foundations of one of the buildings that will make up the massive development.

Advertising for town centre pub (231734)

Reading Chronicle: Advertising elevations for The Sun Inn in Castle Street, Reading, set for takeover by Heartwood Inns. Credit SR Signs Ltd / Google MapsAdvertising elevations for The Sun Inn in Castle Street, Reading, set for takeover by Heartwood Inns. Credit SR Signs Ltd / Google Maps

The new operators of a closed pub in Castle Street have applied for advertising in preparation for opening.

The Sun Inn closed in May 2022 but is set to reopen as a Heartwood Inn, a collection of restaurants founded by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

Designs show the pub being rebranded ‘The Rising Sun’ with Heartwoods Inn lettering placed under a sun face on a swinging sign.

Plans for changes to the interior and the garden of the pub were approved in October.

Changes to facade of Tesco and office building (231717)

Reading Chronicle: Scaffolding over the Soane Point building in Market Place in Reading, which is undergoing conversion into apartments and façade works, Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting ServiceScaffolding over the Soane Point building in Market Place in Reading, which is undergoing conversion into apartments and façade works, Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The developers who are converting the Tesco and office building in Market Place into apartments have applied to make changes to the schedule of work.

Soane Point, which contains a Tesco Express, currently has scaffolding over it after a revamp project was approved in February.

Developers Tene Living have asked the council to receive feedback on its proposals for materials used for the facade of the building within three months.

Once the project is complete, Soane Point will contain 182 flats.

Sign for vintage clothes shop (231205)

Reading Chronicle: The Flamingo Vintage shop in Queen Victoria Street, Reading town centre. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting ServiceThe Flamingo Vintage shop in Queen Victoria Street, Reading town centre. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Clothes shop Flamingo Vintage which opened in August has applied for retrospective consent for its signage.

The unit it occupies in Queen Victoria Street was previously a Starbucks.

Designs in a submitted advertising application show the Flamingo Vintage branding which has replaced the black paint and white lettering of Starbucks, which closed down years ago.

The American cafe chain maintains a cafe, a cafe and drive-thru and kiosks at five locations in Reading.

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