What are the sizes of the proposed buildings?

Who will occupy the offices and shop units?

The offices and shops will be built on a speculative and phased basis. The offices will be designed to offer maximum flexibility to allow for the needs of both smaller and larger occupiers. The same applies to the shop units, restaurants and cafes.

The shop units will be designed to cater for a mix of operators who will support the other uses on the site and offer a high quality retailing experience which will not rival or duplicate what the town has to offer elsewhere.

Isn’t there a surplus of flats in central Reading?

There is currently a modest over supply of flats in the town centre but we believe this will be taken up. There is pent-up demand for residential accommodation, which is currently being suppressed by the lack of mortgage credit. The 1st phase of this development will not be available until 2014.

Where will the existing car parking spaces go?

The existing car park will be removed as part of the redevelopment and be replaced with new parking provision within the site, probably 2 levels under the retail and public realm levels providing around 320 spaces. New parking provision will be shared between the occupiers.

Will the redevelopment affect the bus services on Station Hill?

The Station Hill development is being designed to be compatible with Reading Borough Council’s and Network Rail’s proposals for the Station and Station Hill. This will involve a reorganisation of the bus interchange resulting in greater flexibility. More details can be obtained from Reading Borough Council.

Is the redevelopment of the Station Hill site linked to the improvements to the railway station?

The Station Hill development can stand separate from the new Station entrance, but both Sackville and Reading Borough Council are keen that there is an interface between the projects. As the Station Hill development is proposed on two levels, this can provide level access to the Station at both the current level and the lower subway level.

Will there be 24-hour access through the new development?

There will be 24-hour access through the principle public routes through the site.

Will the public have access to the upper floors of the highest buildings?

Provision will be made for public access to a viewing gallery offering views of Reading, the River Thames, and the surrounding countryside.

How long will the development take?

Redevelopment will take a considerable length of time (possibly 6-8 years) due to the complexity of the site and the demolition and preparatory works that are required before new development can begin. We anticipate that the site will be developed in 3 or 4 phases.

Why has it been necessary to have a second application?

After submission of the previous planning application, Sackville purchased the Friars Walk Shopping Centre. This is included in this new scheme and it has allowed for lower density, more generous public realm and much improved connectivity to Friar Street and the town in general.

Will this application be “called in”?

Reading Borough Council are not intending to refer the application to the Government office because it is fully compliant with both Regional and Local Planning Guidance. The Town & Country Planning (Consultation) Direction 2009 further reduces the possibility of call-in because the proposed development is both within the town centre and in accordance with the development plan.

Are the developers making financial contributions (Planning Gain/S106) to the council?

There is a substantial package which includes contributions to the public transport system in the town, affordable housing and training. The developers are also making special provision with the inclusion of a Tenpin Bowling facility and are also taking account of the new station entrance.

Who is funding the project?

Funding is being provided by Sackville and its bankers. It is anticipated that a suitable additional funding partner will be brought in at the appropriate time. The likely total cost is projected at c £400m.

Will the current financial uncertainties delay the project?

Sackville is talking to investors who take a long-term view of the market and would be happy to talk to additional parties interested in the scheme. Furthermore, projects of this type tend to go live through economic cycles and this can be factored into the viability. There is a significant shortage of sustainable Grade A stock in Reading town centre and the obsolescence of existing supply will create inherent demand as the economy recovers over next two to three years. The scheme is also of regional significance, which will draw interest from the wider area including London.