Reading town centre old opticians could become café

A plan has been submitted to bring 70 Broad Street in the town centre into use as a café.

It would be run by franchisees of the ‘Paul’ French bakery brand that has locations globally.

The building was previously used as a Boots Opticians which closed in 2020 leaving the building vacant since then.

No change of use consent is required from Reading Borough Council, as a bakery is in the same planning usage class as an opticians.

The plan has been submitted to replace the existing shopfront with a new one. including an awning and signage containing Paul bakery branding.

Reading Chronicle: The plan for the awning and branding for the proposed Paul bakery at 70 Broad Street in Reading town centre. Credit: Wren Architecture and DesignThe plan for the awning and branding for the proposed Paul bakery at 70 Broad Street in Reading town centre. Credit: Wren Architecture and Design

The franchisees Port Phillip Services have also applied for a licence to occupy Broad Street for guests to sit outdoors.

It has applied to put 16 tables and outdoors from 7am to 8pm each day.

Other businesses which have these stree pavement licences are  Costa Coffee in Broad Street and O’Neill’s in Friar Street.

READ MORE: Plan could see Reading café building transformed into hotel

Paul bakeries first came to the UK in 2000, and how has locations in London and Oxford.

The brand is known for serving up sweet and savoury bakes to shoppers.

You can view its planning application by typing reference 230876 into the council’s planning portal.

A public consultation on the plan runs until Monday, August 14.

Reading Chronicle | Town Centre