Work is finally moving ahead on a huge development to build hundreds of apartments and new leisure facilities next to the Reading FC stadium.
Years ago, Reading Borough Council approved outline plans for hundreds of flats, shops and leisure facilities next to the Reading FC ground.
Now the gargantuan scheme is making its way through the planning process.
Elsewhere, progress is being made on a project to spruce up a prominent building in Market Place, and moves are being made to get a closed pub ready to open again.
Progress on hundreds of flats next to Reading stadium (231715)
Reading Football Club Property Company is moving ahead with its project for a massive development next to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The company won outline approval to build 626 flats, a hotel, serviced apartments and leisure space back in 2018.
READ MORE: Royal Elm Park development next to Reading FC stadium given the go ahead
The developer has now submitted evidence that pre-commencement works have been undertaken and planning conditions have been complied with, clearing the way for construction to start.
A submitted sketch appears to show the foundations of one of the buildings that will make up the massive development.
Advertising for town centre pub (231734)
The new operators of a closed pub in Castle Street have applied for advertising in preparation for opening.
The Sun Inn closed in May 2022 but is set to reopen as a Heartwood Inn, a collection of restaurants founded by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.
Designs show the pub being rebranded ‘The Rising Sun’ with Heartwoods Inn lettering placed under a sun face on a swinging sign.
Plans for changes to the interior and the garden of the pub were approved in October.
Changes to facade of Tesco and office building (231717)
The developers who are converting the Tesco and office building in Market Place into apartments have applied to make changes to the schedule of work.
Soane Point, which contains a Tesco Express, currently has scaffolding over it after a revamp project was approved in February.
Developers Tene Living have asked the council to receive feedback on its proposals for materials used for the facade of the building within three months.
Once the project is complete, Soane Point will contain 182 flats.
Sign for vintage clothes shop (231205)
Clothes shop Flamingo Vintage which opened in August has applied for retrospective consent for its signage.
The unit it occupies in Queen Victoria Street was previously a Starbucks.
Designs in a submitted advertising application show the Flamingo Vintage branding which has replaced the black paint and white lettering of Starbucks, which closed down years ago.
The American cafe chain maintains a cafe, a cafe and drive-thru and kiosks at five locations in Reading.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here