John Lewis Partnership submits plans for 215 rental homes in Reading
The John Lewis Partnership has submitted a planning application to Reading Borough Council for the transformation of a former distribution warehouse into rental housing.
Through an investment of £80 million, the John Lewis and Waitrose owner is looking to create 215 high quality and energy efficient homes on the site which is situated next to the A329 and opposite the Oracle shopping centre in central Reading.
The proposals also include plans for 6,000 square feet of internal amenity space, including space for community use, two new external garden spaces and improved public realm.
The one, two and three-bedroom highly sustainable homes will be purpose built for renters and will have shared areas for fitness, home-working and socialising.
Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We have worked closely with Reading Council’s planning officers, local residents and organisations to propose a scheme that will benefit residents and the wider community by transforming a disused industrial site into a thriving rental community.”
Options for long-term tenancies with a “recognised and trusted” brand will be offered to provide residents with the opportunity to remain living there for as long as they wish. The scheme will provide 10% affordable homes at Reading Local Housing Allowance levels.
If approved, construction is expected to start in early 2026 with the first residents taking occupancy in 2028.
Russell said: “By revitalising brownfield land we have a fantastic opportunity to provide a significant number of homes which can help alleviate some of the growing pressure on Reading’s housing market. These will be homes not only developed by us, but managed by us, meaning we can offer quality service and a guarantee that homes will not be sold off, as so often happens in the rental market.”
