University of Reading - is seeking planning consent to start the
process of regenerating a brownfield site in the centre of Reading
The University currently owns several buildings in
the London Road area, including five listed buildings,
as well as a large plot of land on its Mansfield Hall
site, all part of its London Road campus.
Now it has submitted plans to Reading Borough Council to
regenerate this site, part of which was the old BT
Social Club until it was demolished and turned into a
temporary car park.
David Savage, the University’s Director of Finance and
Corporate Services, said: “The University is committed
to the reinvigoration of the academic campus at London
Road, and also to opening up the tangible connection
between the University and the town.
“Incorporated within this proposal is a commitment by
the University to set aside a proportion of the
residential development on this land to affordable
housing, as well as restoring five listed buildings
which face onto London Road. The building formed the
original core of the campus in the 1920s before the
University moved it main operation to the Whiteknights
campus, so we feel we have a deep attachment to this
area. We will also be retaining the Victorian and
Edwardian frontages of several villas in Kendrick Road.
“We want to be open and say yes, we need to generate
funds for the University and this is a good way of doing
so – as any organisation would recognise. But we also
recognise this is a great opportunity to offer some
urban regeneration on a site which has become somewhat
dilapidated as well as offer affordable homes in an area
where this is sometimes difficult, as well as provide
funds to allow us to return the listed buildings on the
site to their former glory. So we will be working with
Reading Borough Council to make sure this is a
beneficial development for us and the local community.
“We think this development will enhance the local area
and make the best use of land which is currently
scrubland, as well as preserving some lovely historic
and listed buildings which form part of our history as
well as that of the town.”
The University has instructed its architects to keep
tree loss to a minimum and to work round ancient trees
in all cases. The housing will comprise a mix of flats,
townhouses, garage townhouses and mews. In accordance
with Reading’s policies on sustainable development, the
project will make the best use of solar energy, use
controlled natural ventilation, promote the reuse of
rainwater and use sustainable building materials.
Email:
l.ferguson@reading.ac.uk
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
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News Categories : Brownfield site development
affordable housing
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Brownfield
site development affordable housing
