Benches and other seating on one of Reading’s major high streets will get a makeover, using money from housing developments.

The revamp of Broad Street will be funded by £65,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a tax on property developers.

Fifteen per cent of the tax must go towards infrastructure projects in the local area where the development is and part of this will be spent on the seating makeover.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) had agreed to spend £15,000 of the CIL funding on refurbishing some of the seating areas along Broad Street in November 2018, but could not find a suitable contractor willing to take on just one phase as a single project.

The council has therefore decided to expand the project, adding an extra £50,000 to spend on the revamp.

READ MORE: Three schools back plan to close road to motor traffic at peak times

This will come from £35,000 of unallocated funds from the 15 per cent local CIL as well as £15,000 left over from works done to improve Dog Fountain in St Laurence’s churchyard, which were also funded by the local CIL.

RBC has also allocated £100,000 of the SIL funds to support the High Street Heritage Action Zone – a plan to transform and revitalise Reading’s shopping districts.

READ MORE: Reading high streets will be transformed - building repairs and more

The funding for both plans was approved under delegated powers by the executive director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with councillor Tony Page, lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport.