John Lewis readies 200-home BTR plan in Reading
John Lewis Partnership is preparing for a second round of consultation on proposals to transform a former warehouse in Reading, Berkshire, into 200 build-to-rent homes ahead of formally submitting plans in the spring.
The group said it would launch the second round of consultation later this month or in early March, ahead of submitted a planning application to Reading Borough Council. The first round of consultation has just closed.
The retailer’s plans, which have been mooted since it teamed up with Abrdn in December 2022 on a £500m BTR joint venture, include redeveloping its disused warehouse on a site opposite the Oracle car park on the edge of central Reading.
John Lewis Partnership is preparing for a second round of consultation on proposals to transform a former warehouse in Reading, Berkshire, into 200 build-to-rent homes ahead of formally submitting plans in the spring.
The group said it would launch the second round of consultation later this month or in early March, ahead of submitted a planning application to Reading Borough Council. The first round of consultation has just closed.
The retailer’s plans, which have been mooted since it teamed up with Abrdn in December 2022 on a £500m BTR joint venture, include redeveloping its disused warehouse on a site opposite the Oracle car park on the edge of central Reading.
JLP said its proposals would “help ease local housing pressures”.
“We believe there is an opportunity to do more with some of the buildings and land we own,” said JLP in its consultation documents. “By investing to transform some of these sites, we can provide professionally managed rental housing as well as create new and improved public spaces.
“We believe it is socially responsible to make the best use of sites like this that are close to transport links and large employers, given the increased demand for housing and rental homes across the UK. We are proposing to invest for the long term, solidifying our future commitment to Reading and allowing us to provide both great experiences in retail and home rental for local people.”
John Lewis said the massing and appearance of the 200-home BTR project had been “carefully crafted” to reflect the character of the surrounding area. Initial proposals have been scaled back so that it is in keeping with the Oracle car park at its tallest point.
“We want this building to stand out as an attractive, locally distinctive and thoughtfully designed development which welcomes people into the town centre,” said the firm.
Alongside the one, two and three-bedroom flats, the scheme will provide co-working space, a gym, cycle store, pet wash and other amenities.
Subject to an anticipated planning consent in autumn this year, John Lewis said it would hope to start demolishing the circa 30,000 sq ft warehouse next summer, with the aim of the first residents moving in in autumn 2027.
Reading will be the third BTR planning proposal submitted by John Lewis over the past year. In June 2023, it put in plans for almost 800 BTR homes on sites in West Ealing and Bromley.
Image from John Lewis Partnership
