Grade II-listed buildings in Reading’s town centre could be transformed into a market square and apartment-hotel, with the council set to vote on the plan next week.

Plans have been submitted to the council by Thackeray Estates to transform 1-15 Queen Victoria Street and 147-148 Friar Street, renovating and extending the buildings to provide an apartment-hotel.

The plans also include demolishing old buildings at the back to create a market square with boutique retailers, independent food traders, and artisans.

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This would include an outdoor market space, which could host farmers markets, sport screenings, street food, a Christmas market and live theatre.

Reading Borough Council planning officers have backed the scheme, saying it would “make imaginative and creative use of a currently underused and largely inaccessible part of the town centre” and outlined a whopping ten public benefits to the scheme.

They said the development would also contribute positive to the interest and vitality of the town centre and significantly enhance the character and significance of the Grade II listed buildings.

The old buildings at the back would be demolished to create a market square with boutique retailers, independent food traders, and artisans.

The outdoor market could include farmers markets, sport screenings, street food, a Christmas market and live theatre.

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: How the market square could lookPICTURED: How the market square could look

Planning officers said there will be a whopping ten public benefits of the scheme:

  1. Repair and reinstatement of original historic frontages of the listed buildings and the architectural detailing that contributes to their significance
  2. Visual improvements to the street-scene with uniform shop frontages, signage and lighting, respectful to the original historic frontages
  3. Creation of a publicly accessible square improving visibility and accessibility of the heritage assets
  4. Landscaping and biodiversity enhancements to a part of the town centre where there are currently none
  5. Additional floorspace for retail and appropriate town centre uses in an accessible and sustainable location
  6. Provision for small businesses and shops with appropriate-sized retail units
  7. An apartment-hotel, providing short-term let accommodation
  8. Employment opportunities
  9. Enhanced public spaces, providing opportunities for respite, relaxation and play, as well as community and public events
  10. A town centre development that as a whole will attract visitors, shoppers and workers to this part of the town centre and contribute positively to the economy in the post-Covid19 recovery of the town centre.

The plans include 3,308sqm of retail space and a 41-bed apartment-hotel.

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: How the improved frontages could lookPICTURED: How the improved frontages could look

Thackeray Estates said the proposals will provide a retail hub and market square to “invigorate and compliment the existing high street”.

And they say the apartment-hotel “will be key to aid the post-Covid economic recovery and attract new businesses and independent retailers”.

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They added: “The listed buildings on both Queen Victoria Street and Friar Street have been neglected over time and a series of unsympathetic additions and alterations have caused significant harm.

“The buildings are in serious need of repair and their existence relies on significant investment in the historic fabric.

“By putting the buildings back to use, this initial investment and ongoing maintenance can be secured, ensuring the buildings future.”