New look at homes and Adult Social Care day opportunities centre being built in Battle Street from this summer

This is how 62 new homes are set to look and work to build them will start this summer.

The site on the corner of Battle Street and Bedford Road will feature an attractive mix of houses and flats for families of all ages.

The work is set to begin in the summer and the properties will be available to move into just two years later, creating much-needed affordable homes in the town.

Of the new homes, 20 will be placed on the general needs housing register, 29 will be sheltered housing for residents aged over 55 years, and 13 are supported living homes where adults who need additional support can receive tenancies.

The Council’s construction partner GRAHAM will soon begin remedial work on 1.3 acre plot and recently gave councillors a tour of the site to understand the layout, streetscape and design behind the designs.

There will be a one-bedroom bungalow, two three-bedroom houses, four three-bedroom flats, eight two-bedroom flats and five one-bedroom flats. The remaining sheltered housing and supported living accommodation will all be one-bedroom properties.

At the heart of the development will be a purpose-built day opportunities centre which will be a dynamic inclusive space where a range of group, wellbeing and support activities can take place.

The supported living properties will offer secure tenancies for people requiting Adult Social Care services where they will also develop skills that help build confidence to move towards greater independence. This is a meaningful step in the Council’s commitment to ensuring everyone has the chance to live well and safely in their community.

The development will be built to Passivhaus Principles, which is the industry standard for an environmentally friendly development. Solar panels will feature on the roofs of all buildings and the development will have electric vehicle charging points, and increased biodiversity through tree planting. Gardens, roof terraces and a courtyard also form part of the plans.

The homes, which will have social rent tenancies, and day opportunities centre are set to be completed in the summer of 2028 and form part of the Council’s priority to deliver 362 new homes by 2029.

Councillor Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing, said: “This is another example of creating good quality housing for the people of Reading.

“We are using council-owned land and utilising it to provide as many good quality homes as possible for families.

“It was good to see how the site will be used and where the homes will be situated during our visit with GRAHAM.”

“These properties will have solar panels and be designed to be economical to run to help families in the future.

“Also, providing some smaller properties has the advantage of allowing others to downsize, which then frees up larger homes which can be used by bigger families on the general needs register. This, along with the security of having access to the repairs service and someone there if needed, will make the sheltered living properties good alternative accommodation.”

Councillor Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: "The day opportunities centre for residents who use our Adult Social Care services will enrich lives.

“There will be tailored services to meet the needs of residents with complex health requirements and learning difficulties.

“The residents in supported living will receive the help, time and care they need to learn the skills to live independently. This includes living skills, confidence and potentially workplace skills which could lead to voluntary or paid employment. This support will hopefully propel them into an independent future.”

Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Battle Street represents a transformation project for Reading, turning an underused town centre site into 62 high quality homes for local people. With a mix of affordable housing, accommodation for over-55s, and supported living apartments, it will deliver properties which cater for a range of needs.

“At GRAHAM, we have a strong track-record in delivering residential developments across the UK and know how important it is to create homes that are well designed, sustainable and built to last. We are proud to help bring much-needed housing to Reading.”