Union Street Shops Remain Open for Business

THE Council and Reading BID are reiterating that Union Street remains fully open for business following the major fire in Friar Street and Union Street last month (26 May) which caused significant damage that has closed off the Friar Street entrance to the retail street.

It comes as proposals to erect scaffolding to stabilise the Friar Street and Union Street buildings and provide a safe covered route for pedestrians - which could allow Union Street to fully reopen later this summer - were outlined at a meeting with the Council’s Building Control team last week. 

At Friday’s (June 23) meeting, a structural engineer representing the owner confirmed the dangerous condition of 132 Friar Street, specifically a side wall of the building which runs along the northern end of Union Street, which is highly unstable and could endanger any public walking underneath. 

The owner plans to construct a substantial supporting structure within eight weeks, which would both stabilise the dangerous side wall and provide a safe covered walkway for pedestrians, allowing for the reopening of the northern end of Union Street, subject to all relevant safety inspections being passed and acceptance by insurers. This structure would also allow the shop owner to enter the building to clear equipment. The perilous condition of the building means this has so far not been able to take place. 

In the meantime, the Friar Street end of Union Street will remain closed to the public.

Reading Borough Council is very conscious of the ongoing impact for local traders by the closure of the north (Friar Street) end of Union Street which has significantly impacted footfall traffic to the shops. Reading BID is investigating new signage to be placed at both ends of Union Street imminently, highlighting that traders remain open for business and that shoppers can access shops via Broad Street. 

The Council has managed to facilitate an empty rates business rates relief in recognition of the financial impact of the closure on the local businesses along Union Street. The Council is asking any business which has so far not applied for a reduction in its rateable value to contact the Revenues and Benefits team who can provide assistance. The contact email for businesses is business.rates@reading.gov.uk  This rates relief has already been communicated with all the local traders. 

Reading BID and the owners have committed to twice weekly updates to Union Street businesses going forward on progress being made and timescales, until the situation is resolved.