Flats plan revised for Oracle’s Riverside centre

PLANS to build flats as part of a reconfiguration of Reading’s Oracle shopping centre have been altered to change the heights of the proposed towers, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.

The initial planning applications were published last year and show how site owners Hammerson intend to amend the eastern section of the retail centre.

The towers would be added to the Vue

Cinema and the restaurants south of the River Kennet, and the former Debenhams department store on the other side of the river.

The revised 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 number of apartments has been reduced from 449 to 436, with Hammerson stating the changes allow it to increase the number of three-bedroom properties from 12 to 22, ‘in response to market demand’.

All the changes can be found on

Hammerson’s ‘The Oracle consultation’ website, which states the centre will still focus on shopping, leisure and dining.

“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 website reads.

“Retail will remain at the destination’s heart, alongside new commercial and entertainment uses, to ensure a contemporary leisure offer that both engages and excites visitors along the riverside.

“The proposals would reconfigure the existing Vue Cinema to ensure it provides a high-quality film experience for its customers.”

Hammerson has partnered with Packaged Living to deliver the apartments as part of the transformation project, which will be on a ‘buildto-rent’ basis.

There are two planning applications which have been submitted to Reading Borough Council’s planning website.

For the south of the river area, the reference is 221917, while reference 221916 is for the north of the river plans.

The exact number of apartments delivered within each scheme has not been made official, as revised planning documents have yet to be