THE future of a “key section” of the town centre is set to be outlined by Reading Borough Council (RBC).

Potential development in the area covering the former civic offices, Broad Street Mall and the Thames Valley Police headquarters will be documented by a draft report published by the council on Friday, July 20.

The Draft Hosier Street Area Development Framework seeks to integrate the area with St Mary’s Butts and to make better use of the wide carriageways, as well as pursuing improvements to the Broad Street Mall Oxford Road frontage.

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “This draft framework provides an exciting vision for the future development of a key area of the town centre which is in need of regeneration.

“Various changes in the area – not least the Council itself vacating the old Civic Centre site and ambitious plans by the owners of Broad Street Mall – mean this part of the town centre will likely look very different in the future.

“This document, and the associated consultation, is important because it will help to provide some guiding principles for the future development in the area.

“I would urge local residents and businesses to take some time to familiarise themselves with the document and feed into the consultation process.”

The new developments would also include creating “significant numbers” of affordable housing units.

Reading Borough Council will also host two drop-in events at the Hexagon theatre, where people can view the plans in detail and have their say on the final document.

Council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals at the drop-ins, which will be held on Tuesday, July 31 from 3pm to 7pm and Wednesday, September 5 from 3pm to 7pm.

Copies of the framework are also available to view at the Central Library and the Reading Borough Council Offices in Bridge Street.