Reading's Oracle apartment heights changed
Shopping centre operators Hammerson have submitted revised plans for the towers it wants to build.
Last updated 5th Apr 2024
Height changes for the site of hundreds of flats to be built as part of a massive homes plan at The Oracle in Reading have been put forward.
A project has been afoot to add hundreds of apartments at the eastern section of The Oracle shopping centre for years, with planning applications appearing early last year.
The project would see the towers added to the Vue Cinema and restaurants building south of the River Kennet, and the former Debenhams department store north of the river.
New designs show the height of the apartments south of the river reduced by two storeys, with one storey being added to a flats block at Yield Hall Place.
The total amount of apartments envisaged has been reduced from 449 to 436, with Hammerson stating that the changes allow it to increase the number of three-bedroom properties from 12 to 22, allegedly ‘in response to market demand’.
This investment would upgrade the existing retail and leisure offer, by replacing the former Debenhams department store and providing modern retail and entertainment amenities to ensure that The Oracle remains relevant with a new diversified offer.
The project will bring living accommodation to The Oracle site for the first time.
Hammerson has partnered with the company Packaged Living to deliver the apartments as part of the transformation project.
All of these apartments will be ‘build-to-rent’ meaning no one will have the opportunity to fully own the place they will occupy.