Map
Please note: Locations and addresses are approximate and may not be as accurate as expected.
Details
The site comprises the Grade II listed main prison building, positioned centrally within the site, an administrative building, amenities building, gym / workshop and a number of more modern buildings. The site is bordered to the north and east by Forbury Road (A329), and surrounded by a mix of land uses including Forbury Retail Park to the north, and a future residential development, Huntley Wharf, to the east. A mix of residential and office accommodation lies to the south, west and east of the site. The Chestnut Walk footpath runs directly along the southern perimeter of the site, in parallel with the River Kennett on the opposite side of the footpath.
Planning
Planning authority: Reading Borough Council
Application details:
The site lies within the administrative boundary of Reading Borough Council. The property is currently comprised of prison use with ancillary accommodation (Use Class C2a). The historic prison building is Grade II listed. All other buildings on the site are excluded from this listing. The site is situated within Reading Abbey Scheduled Ancient Monument. The prison is not within a Conservation Area. In early 2019, a planning pre-application meeting was held with Reading Borough Council and Historic England in order to establish the parameters of a possible development of the site. The formal pre-application response from Reading Borough Council states that in principle the listed building element could be suitable for residential, hotel or student accommodation conversion, providing that the proposals integrate a cultural or historic element. The pre-application also noted that the principle of commercial office uses would align with the policy context, although not suggested in current proposals. In addition to emphasising the importance of reusing the listed prison element in any redevelopment proposals, the Council response also states their desire to integrate the proposals with the Abbey Quarter directly to the west of the site and thereby enhance the location as a heritage / cultural destination.