Reading plan to replace Cosmo with 103 flats submitted

The proposal to replace the global buffet and the four storey building its housed in first surfaced in February.

Now, a formal planning application has been submitted.

Further down Friar Street, a developer has a plan to add floors to the Bristol & West Arcade.

Meanwhile, in East Reading, two homeowners have plans for extensions to their homes.

You can view the plans by typing the reference in brackets into the council’s planning portal.

Replacement of Cosmo building with 103 flats (220933)

The design for what the building that would replace Cosmo may look like, an 11 storey building at 35-39 Friar Street, Reading town centre. Credit: Stefan Shaw Studio

The Shaviram Group has lodged its application to replace the four storey building that houses Cosmo with a new, part 11 part seven storey tower containing 103 apartments.

The plan also involves the demolition of 39 Friar Street, a three storey brick building, which had the 9Round boxing gym on the ground floor which is thought to have closed during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Fears Cosmo in Reading will have to leave to make way for 103 flats

Of the 103 apartments, 56 will be two-bed, 41 will be one-bed and six will have three-bedrooms, with all being ‘build to rent’ and 30 per cent made affordable.

There would be space for a restaurant or retail unit on the ground floor,  a co-working area, and would be car free save for four disabled spaces.

Instead, new occupants would make use of 93 residential cycle parking bays.

Two floor addition to Bristol & West Arcade (221381)

The Bristol & West Arcade in Friar Street, Reading town centre. Credit: James Aldridge., Local Democracy Reporting Service

Investment company Mountley has submitted a plan to build two floors on top of the Bristol & West Arcade to create 10 apartments.

Six of them would be on the new fourth floor, forming three studio flats, two one-bed and one two-bed apartments.

The fifth floor would have three two-bed and one one-bed flat.

A design for the two floor roof extension at the Bristol and West Arcade in Friar Street, Reading town centre. Credit: JDW Architects

The company’s agents Allen Planning state the new floors would be built with brickwork to match the existing building.

In June, approval was given to convert existing offices on the upper floors into 20 apartments (reference 220579).

Replacement extension and garage conversion for home (221416)

The plans for the extension and garage conversion at 175b Wokingham Road, Reading. Credit: Hawkins Eades Associates

Mrs D Marino Booth, the owner of 157b Wokingham Road has applied to demolish an existing conservatory and replace it with a new one with a roof garden.

The new extension would become the new kitchen and dining area for the home, with the existing one being turned into a family room.

READ MORE: Plans for dedicated Traveller site in Reading to be debated

The plan also involves converting the existing double garage.

While part of the garage would remain, the rest of it would be converted to provide space for a gym.

Extensions to semi-detached East Reading home (221418)

47 Alexandra Road, East Reading. Credit: Google Maps

Mr Morfill, the owner of 47 Alexander Road, has applied to build a new store and extension to his three bedroom home.

Both would be one-storey side extensions, with the store being at the front and having solar panels on its roof.

The other extension would provide more space for the existing kitchen.