A huge office building in Reading town centre is set to be converted into more than 100 flats.
A major office building in Reading town centre is being transformed into over 100 flats.
Abbey Gardens, previously used as office space, will be converted into 53 one-bed and 54 two-bed apartments, thanks to permitted development rights introduced in 2013 that speed up the conversion process.
Planning officer Nathalie Weekes confirmed that the new apartments meet size and daylight access standards. Earlier this year, the McGrath group secured approval for 92 flats at the same location.
In other news, a new Thai restaurant, Eatnau Thai, has taken over from Bluegrass BBQ in Gun Street. The restaurant chain, which has locations in London and High Wycombe, received permission for its black and gold signage on August 22.
Hollywood Bowl at The Oracle is also looking to upgrade its signage to illuminated letters, aiming for a design that matches the existing branding of The Oracle and Premier Inn.
Meanwhile, a proposal to replace four flats on Oxford Road with eight new apartments has been rejected. Council officer Anthony Scoles deemed the plan an overdevelopment of the site and noted it lacked affordable housing. The decision was made on August 22.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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