Reading Prison is back on the market
A council bid was rejected, but is still on the table
Last updated 28th Jun 2021
Reading Prison is now back on the market until August, after a Reading Borough Council bid to buy the old jail was rejected.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) rejected that the town’s bid to transform it into an arts, heritage and culture centre last month - but the council’s bid is still on the table.
After developer Artisan Real Estate pulled out of plans to buy the prison last year, the council was given a period of exclusivity to develop a bid for the site.
Its bid sought to put the historic prison as the centrepiece of a unique mixed-use development including:
A heritage centre celebrating its history and archaeology
Space for theatre, dance, music, cinema and outdoor exhibitions
High quality and flexible public spaces
A creative innovation hub hosting affordable workspaces, events, workshops and exhibitions
A rooftop café.
It would also have included a new residential quarter with energy efficient homes, including some affordable homes.
But the MoJ turned down the offer last month and has now put the prison on the market again.
Councillor Tony Page, deputy leader at RBC, said: “We have had written confirmation from the MoJ that our bid remains on the table and will be considered.
“Whilst they have rejected it, they are covering their backs by leaving it on the table.
“The real fear I have is there will be a repeat of the ridiculous overbidding relating to excessive development for the site, like the Artisan development.
“There was barely any view left of the prison.
“The purpose of the council publishing its bid was to give that a very clear street of what is appropriate.
“Any inflated prices that are bid for the prison will be based on completely unrealistic proposals.”
He warned prospective bidders to “be careful” and look at the bid the council submitted and the winder policy aspirations for the site in RBC’s Local Plan.
The deputy leader said the MoJ is acting with the “height of irresponsibility” in allowing the “continued deterioration” of the old prison whilst rejecting the council’s “very generous offer”.
He added: “I still have confidence that the right decision will eventually be taken.”
An MoJ spokesman said: “Any sale will seek the best value for taxpayers and be reinvested into the justice system, while ensuring planning requirements for the historic site are met.”
Reading East MP Matt Rodda said he is now arranging a meeting with Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and hoping to bring along RABBLE Theatre and actress Kate Winslet who is originally from the town.
He wants the MoJ to consider accepting the council’s bid topped up with donations from the public.