Reading residents are being invited to get involved in helping to plan how the area around Reading Station will look in future years.
Reading Borough Council is publishing a document called the ‘Reading Station Area Framework’ – a planning document that sets out how the areas adjacent to Reading Station might be developed, making the best possible use of the proposed upgrading of Reading Station.
The area surrounding Reading’s busy railway station is one of the most accessible locations in the UK and the major upgrade of the main line railway and the station itself will bring significant increases in capacity. There is an opportunity for any new developments to make better use of the location, as well as provide significant regeneration of the area.
The framework – which follows on from the Reading Central Area Action Plan which outlined initial guidelines for the area – covers an area bounded by the River Thames to the north, Friar Street to the south, Caversham Road to the west and Forbury Road to the east.
It starts to define the principles that should be adopted for any Reading developments in the area and outlines broad principles to guide the redevelopment of the area, including the areas to the north and south of the station.
The document provides illustrative layouts and views of how the area should be developed and also includes proposals for the use and development of individual sites, the public realm and new transport infrastructure.
Reading Borough Council is keen for Reading residents to get involved at this early stage so they can have a look at how the framework is developing and have some input into how the area could look in the future.
Tony Page, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Planning and Transport, said: ‘The Station area is one of the most accessible and sustainable locations in the United Kingdom. The area to the north of the station offers huge potential for new sustainable developments including employment and residential uses. The plan also proposes a new pedestrian and cycle bridge east of Pipers Island to further strengthen links to the town centre. Once again, the Council is encouraging people to involve themselves in shaping this crucial area of the town.’
The Council is holding a number of exhibitions and an open public meeting in March where people can find out more and get involved.
Exhibitions will be held at Caversham Library on Thursday March 4 between 2pm and 7pm and at the Civic Centre, Committee Room 1, on Friday March 12, also between 2pm and 7pm.
The Open Public Meeting – where there will be presentations offering more detailed information and public workshops – will take place at Victoria Hall, Town Hall, Reading, on Monday March 22 between 6.30pm and 9pm.
Public Consultation on the Reading Station Area Framework runs from Friday February 19 to April 2. A full copy of the document can be viewed at all Reading Borough Libraries during normal library opening hours, or at the Planning Reception counter of the Civic Centre (9am-5pm weekdays).
People can comment online by emailing ldf@reading.gov.uk or by writing to: LDF Planning Team, Planning Department, Civic Centre, Reading, RG1 7AE or phoning 0118 939 0286. Feedback will also be taken at the March exhibitions.
Reading Borough Council
