Market square and apartment hotel plan in Reading town centre

Plans have been submitted to the council by Thackeray Estates to transform 1-15 Queen Victoria Street and 147-148 Friar Street, renovating and extending the buildings to provide an apartment-hotel.

The old buildings at the back would be demolished to create a market square with boutique retailers, independent food traders, and artisans.

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The outdoor market could include: Farmers markets, Sport screenings, Street food,  Christmas market , or Live theatre

The developer has highlighted Market Hall and Eccleston Yard (London) and Milsom Place (Bath) as examples it would seek to follow.

Market square plans. Photo by Thackeray Estate, as made public in its application to Reading Borough Council

Market square plans. Photo by Thackeray Estate, as made public in its application to Reading Borough Council

Developer Thackeray Estates said: “The listed buildings on both Queen Victoria Street and Friar Street have been neglected over time and a series of unsympathetic additions and alterations have caused significant harm.

“The buildings are in serious need of repair and their existence relies on significant investment in the historic fabric.

“By putting the buildings back to use, this initial investment and ongoing maintenance can be secured, ensuring the buildings future.”

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The plans include 3,308sqm of retail space and a 41-bed apartment-hotel.

You can view the plans here. 

Thackeray Estates said the proposals will provide a retail hub and market square to “invigorate and compliment the existing high street”.

And they say the apartment-hotel “will be key to aid the post-Covid economic recovery and attract new businesses and independent retailers”.