Update for Matalan Reading over future of retail park

The Reading Link Retail Park at the junction of the A33 and Rose Kiln Lane could be redeveloped, as it has been suggested as site for 150-220 homes in Reading Borough Council's Local Plan partial-update document.

The redevelopment would mean businesses, including The Food Warehouse, Bensons for Beds, Magnet Kitchens, and Sports Bike Shop would have to close.

It would also put the future of the upcoming JD Gym in doubt.

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However, site owners Sorbon Estates have clarified that any redevelopment would be a while away given a resurgence in the popularity of retail parks.

A representative said: “Sorbon Estates are committed to the continued future use of Reading Link Retail Park as a significant retail and leisure destination, as recently demonstrated by our development of the Starbucks Drive Thru and the JD Gym.

“The potential allocation in the Local Plan for residential development forms part of a much longer-term plan to safeguard our asset; it’s unlikely to be brought forward for development whilst the out-of-town retail and leisure market remains in strong demand.”

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The JD Gym -resulting in the loss of 47 parking spaces- is 'coming soon' to the retail park, with planning for the construction project underway.

The new gym was approved by the council's planning applications committee last June.

The Local Plan partial update document states the site could be redeveloped between 2028 and 2033.

Sorbon Estates is a major landowner in the area, purchasing St Martins Precinct in Caversham for £16 million last November.