Fresh plan for Reading pub, details for 223 homes submitted

The buildings, numbers 25-32 Market Place, have been out of use for a number of years, with the Coopers Arms pub being closed since 2010.

Now a developer has submitted fresh applications which would keep the pub and convert the upper floors into apartments.

Meanwhile, the developers of the controversial approved plan to build 223 homes at Reading Golf Club have revealed more details about the scheme.

READ MORE: Progress on the biggest plans set to change the face of Reading in 2022

And the University of Reading has submitted a plan to relocate its School of Art building.

You can view plans below by typing in there reference in brackets in the council’s planning website here.

Works to long vacant town centre buildings (220545 and 220546)

he vacant buildings in Market Place, Reading. Credit: Allen Planning

New plans have been submitted for the long vacant buildings and the former Cooper Arms in Market Place.

In this plan, applicants Watercrown Bracknell Ltd want to retain the ground floor of 29-31 Market Place as a pub for a new landlord to operate, with remaining ground floor space being used for two retail businesses located either side of the pub.

The upper floors of the buildings would be converted into eight apartments.

e proposed ground floor for the most recent development in Market Place, Reading. The old Coopers Arms pub would be retained, with retail units located either side of it. Credit: JDW Architects

Of these, four would be one-bedroom, three two-bedroom and one would have three bedrooms.

The scheme has been divided into two parts.

Application 220545 involves the change of use of the building to residential, whereas 220546 covers external works, landscaping, electrical works and cycle storage.

READ MORE: A brief history of plans for the Bristol & West Arcade 

The planning history of these buildings is complicated, particularly as numbers 27-32 Market Place are Grade II listed.

Similar plans to revitalise the pub, convert the upper floors into eight apartments and redevelop the Bristol & West Arcade were approved in 2019 but have not been acted on.

More details for 223 home development at Reading Golf Course (220958, 220959 and 220960)

Reading Golf Course. Credit: taken from Keep Emmer Green Facebook group

Required details of the huge approved plan to build 223 homes at the old Reading Golf Course have been submitted.

The applications have been submitted by Vistry Thames Valley, a housebuilder.

The successful outline application was achieved by Fairfax and the Golf Club which owns the land, therefore it is understood the plan has been sold to Vistry.

READ MORE: Campaigners 'still bitter' over Reading golf course plan despite appeal withdrawal

The applications have been split into three references.

Reference 299058 is a submission of the developer’s contaminated land statement, 220959 contains a surface water drainage statement and information about garages and cycle storage, and 220960 contains details of street lighting and a parking plan for the development.

University School of Art relocation plans (220941)

A CGI of the plan for the New School of Art at the University of Reading. Credit: Scott Brownrigg

The University of Reading has applied to build a single storey extension to its currently unoccupied Central Kitchen building in preparation for it to house The School of Art.

The School of Art is currently located at building TOB1 near Earley Gate, which falls within Wokingham Borough.

However, the university has plans to demolish TOB1, meaning the school has to be relocated.

A CGI of the planned entrance for the new School of Art at the University of Reading. Credit: Scott Brownrigg

Refurbishment of the old Central Kitchen and the extension would provide workshops, studio and gallery space for the school.

The building would also have space for a staff and student welfare area, a shop and a place to receive guests.