Progress on build for flats and day centre in Reading

The site of the former Willows care home at the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Hexham Road has been sealed off for years since the care home was closed in 2019.

Reading Borough Council ran the site, with councillors choosing to move occupants to Charles Clore Court in Southcote, allowing the Willows site to be redeveloped.

The old care home was demolished in 2022, with the council deciding to have it replaced with one new building containing 42 flats for people aged 55 plus and a day centre for people with learning disabilities.

The site is fully secured, with a construction crane being used for the new building. 

The superstructure for the building at the construction site for the affordable flats and day care centre in Whitley. (Image: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service)

Although work on the site began on March 2, plans for the project were adjusted.

These involved a change in the brick used to make the building less susceptible to climbing, therefore preventing anti-social behaviour.

Furthermore, the walkways on the first, second and third floors of the building have been changed from brick to exposed reinforced concrete. 

Additionally, changes to cycle storage facilities provide a total of 32 cycle spaces for residents and care centre staff.

These adjustments were approved by the council's planning applications committee in April.

At the time, Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham), lead councillor for housing, said: "I think this is still a great development.

"I think it helps the council meet the needs in demands in the adult social care and housing area.

"It certainly helps us in those areas. I support the changes, and I'm looking forward to seeing it get on with development."

Cllr Jan Gavin (Labour, Caversham) added: "I know we were all very excited when this first came round, and it's a great use of the piece of land, and much much needed."

The project is expected to be complete in a year's time.

Construction is being undertaken by contractors Morgan Sindall, with the project period lasting until August 7, 2026, according to the website Construction Map.

You can view the approved project by typing reference PL/24/1589 into the council's planning portal.

The project was initially approved by councillors in November 2023. 

The day centre for people with multiple learning disabilities will be situated on the ground floor of the building once completed. 

Justifying the need for the facility, the council stated that there are more than 600 residents aged 18 years and older who have profound and multiple learning disabilities, with the centre providing care, respite and fellowship for clients.