Reading's Black History Mural is Safe
So say Reading Borough Council after "misleading" online claims
Last updated 28th Sep 2020
Following a weekend of online speculation that the mural was in danger Reading Borough Council has moved to reiterate its position that it remains fully committed to retaining and restoring the town’s black history mural in its current location.
The speculation started up after a council meeting was called to discuss details of the plan to redevelop the former Central Club building which hosts the mural.
The council say that because of changes to market conditions being experienced everywhere as a result of the pandemic, the preferred bidder amended the scope of its initial scheme, and subsequently its initial offer.
At a meeting of the Council’s Policy Committee councillors considered the revised offer in private as the financial details remain commercially confidential, as per the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972.
Reading Borough Council Leader Jason Brock said:
“The Council has, from the outset, been utterly categorical that Reading’s iconic black history mural – which remains an Asset of Community Value – will be retained as part of any development.
We are also very clear that this remains the case if the revised scheme is permitted. The same applies to retaining community space as part of the proposed development.
“The mural is a unique and important symbol of Reading’s cultural history which represents Reading’s long history of celebrating different cultures and promoting tolerance. It remains of huge importance to the black community, the wider community and the Council itself and we, alongside the preferred bidder, are fully committed to its restoration in situ and its long term protection as part of any future development.