Exciting Hosier Street Vision Set to be Agreed

A KEY planning document which will guide the future development and regeneration of a key area of the town centre is set to be approved next week (Nov 21).

Earlier this year Reading Borough Council consulted on a draft Hosier Street Area Development Framework, which covers the area of the former Civic Offices, Broad Street Mall and the Thames Valley Police Headquarters. The relocation of the Council offices, ambitious proposals being developed by the owners of the Broad Street Mall and a review by Thames Valley Police of their existing buildings, means major developments on the horizon for Hosier Street and the surrounding area. The combination of different sites under different ownerships mean a detailed framework was needed to guide the various developments, and to help provide the most appropriate form of development of the whole site. The Draft Hosier Street Area Development Framework provides a comprehensive masterplan for the area, with a particular emphasis on creating high quality public realm around which various mixed uses will be located. A report to the Council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee (SEPT) on November 21st will review the responses to a public consultation from earlier this year, which included well-attended exhibitions at the Hexagon Theatre, an interactive workshop event and a web-based survey. The SEPT Committee report (http://www.reading.gov.uk/media/9742/Item-8/pdf/Item08.pdf) includes detailed representations received as a result of the consultation. These centred on the general themes of use of the area; townscape, massing and tall buildings; and landscape and public realm. As a result of the consultation responses received, the draft Hosier Street Area Development Framework has been revised and updated and will be presented to Members of SEPT Committee, who will be asked to approved the revised planning document for adoption. Cllr Tony Page

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said:

“This consultation attracted considerable public interest and I would like to thank every individual and organisation who took part.

“Various changes in the area – not least the Council itself vacating the old Civic Centre site, ambitious plans by the owners of Broad Street Mall and the on-going review by Thames Valley Police of the town centre headquarters – mean this part of the town centre will likely look very different in the future.

“The framework has now been revised following feedback received as part of the consultation. The adopted Hosier Street Area Development Framework is intended to lead and help shape the future development, and contribute to the regeneration of what is a key part of the historic town centre.”