Reading could be set for a New York-style green ‘highline’ in the town centre, while plans to deck the IDR are being reconsidered.

Plans for the Hosier Street area revamp state that “Queen’s Walk could become Reading’s answer to the New York High Line”.

The ‘greenstreet’ idea is highlighted in Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Hosier Street Area Development Framework report, and would include “extensive planting, seating and play features”.

The council are also looking into edible and community gardening activity along the street.

The Conservatory Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) said: “Because of the wind along Queen’s Walk it is not really suitable as a place to sit and relax.”

RBC officers replied that wind would be accounted for at the application stage.

The Hosier Street area framework includes St Mary’s Butts, Oxford Road, Queens Walk and Castle Street.

The council are also considering plans to provide a pedestrian link across the IDR (Inner Distribution Road) in central Reading.

A footbridge link, which would be designed to have an attractive and elegant form and act as a landmark, is considered the ‘minimum’ option.

A green bridge is considered a more desirable solution, while decking of the IDR is an ‘ambition’.

The IDR was built in the 1970s around the western and southern parts of the town centre.

The Lib Dem-Conservative coalition scrapped the idea of decking the IDR in 2010.

In February 2016, Tony Page, Deputy Leader of the Council, said "Part of our vision for this area is to one day cover over the IDR to shield off all of the noise; it is an aspiration that we intend to work on in the future."

The report, to be discussed at Wednesday's (November 21) strategic environment, planning and transport committee, notes widespread support for decking of the IDR at a public 'Hosier Street interactive workshop' in September.

The director of environment and neighbourhood services' report reads: “While desirable, the high cost of decking over the IDR may be prohibitive.

"Nevertheless, it remains an aspiration within the framework.

“A pedestrian link across the IDR to Howard Street/Baker Street will improve the access to the town centre, particularly for people living within the Baker Street area.

“This link would re-instate a direct connection to Hosier Street that existed before the IDR was built.”

Another sky-high plan, a cluster of 20-storey buildings, is also being considered as part of the city centre plans.