Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Tony Page is the lead member for Adult Social Care. The lead member for Adult Social Care at Reading Borough Council is Tony Jones.
Plans to build more than 100 homes at the former Central pool and another site were approved last night.
The former Central pool will be replaced with dozens of homes and a service for older people, while a former care home will be replaced with flats and services for those with learning disabilities.
Reading Borough Council (RBC) will consolidate its adult social services at the two vacant sites, on Battle Street and Hexham Road, as well as building 116 homes in total.
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The plans were approved unanimously at Monday's Policy committee on January 18.
Councillor Tony Jones, lead member for Adult Social Care, said: “The proposal is far better than I could have hoped for when we started the strategic view of our assets in social care nearly three years ago.
“By broadening the brief, the possible solutions are not just better and more exciting but simply more appropriate to the needs that we can foresee over the years ahead.
“Sometimes people talk about a win-win situation. While trying to avoid hyperbole, I would suggest this provides a win-win-win situation.
“Win in terms of better provision for the people we seek to support in adult social, a win in terms of better opportunities for housing sites in the town which are freed up as part of this process, and a win in terms of better value for money.”
Adult social care services are currently provided at four sites, in Castle Crescent, Strathy Close, Whitley Wood Lane and the Rivermead Leisure Centre – but will now be located at just two sites.
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The plans will offer “modernised, sustainable services that meet peoples’ personalised expectations and outcomes whilst delivering value for money”, as well providing “much-needed homes for people on the housing register”.
There will be 74 flats built at the former Central Pool on Battle Street, split between sheltered housing and general needs, as well as a 35-place older person day service.
Additionally, six family-sized houses will be built at the site.
On Hexham Road – near the University of Reading – 36 sheltered housing flats are planned, along with a 31-place profound and multiple learning disability day service and a nine-bed respite facility.
Hexham Road was previously home to care home The Willows, which shut in 2019.
The council also revealed it is developing plans to deliver additional new homes for residents in need at two other sites, at Amethyst Lane and Dwyer Road.
Councillor John Ennis, lead member for Housing, said: “I am delighted with this latest expansion of our new build programme to address the significant housing need in our Borough.
“A warm and safe home is the foundation for good health and education, and a thriving population.
“This is fundamental for everyone in Reading regardless of income, age or location.
“Our ambition is for all residents to have the opportunity to live in good quality, sustainable homes they can afford.
“We are making best use of our land to achieve this through delivering new housing opportunities for residents, demonstrating our strong commitment to enhancing Reading’s communities.”
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