The landmark Cemetery Junction archway is to be sold at an auction at the end of this month, if the council can find a buyer.
Reading Borough Council (RBC) has put the vacant, Grade II listed landmark building up for public auction on Thursday, May 30 at the Green Park Conference Centre.
The two-storey bath stone carriage arch, also called the Cemetery Junction gatehouse, has a guide value of £100,000 for a 250-year lease.
A council spokesman said: “The Grade II listed Cemetery Archway was formerly used as a police office but has since been vacated and is no longer required for Council purposes.”
The building only has planning permission for community and police use but could become flats if the necessary planning consent is obtained.
RBC will continue to have rights of gated access through the archway into the cemetery and access by the public and the council’s grounds team will continue as normal.
The arch was previously put up for sale in August 2016 but no offers were received.
It has three rooms on each side of the archway, extending to a total of about 70sqm.
There are also two storage outbuildings and parking for several cars
The cemetery gates are locked by RBC every evening and unlocked every morning.
The leaseholder will be given keys to the gates for access when they are locked.
Roman Auctions, based in Wokingham, are handling the sale of the gatehouse.
The archway gives access to Reading Old Cemetery and gained nationwide prominence as the setting for 2010 film Cemetery Junction, directed by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais.
Originally built in the 1840s, the archway was designed by local architect William Brown and is constructed in imposing bath stone.
The cemetery was taken over by the council in 1959.
The planned sale has been met with criticism and shock on Twitter.
Katherine Findlay commented: “Every time I defend Reading as a town with rich history and culture, some idiot manages to do something daft like this.
“Why would you sell Cemetery Junction Arch? How can you fit three dwellings in there?”
Quaffable Reading said: “How can anyone sell Cemetery Junction?”
Jane Kenyon added: “Please don’t let this happen.”
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