Plans to redevelop a vacant 20-acre Reading site which was formerly occupied by Hewlett Packard with a major commercial, retail and residential scheme are set to be submitted later this month.
Kier Property has confirmed it will be seeking planning permission for a proposed redevelopment of Worton Grange, Imperial Way called Reading Gateway.
The site has been vacant since 2006, when Hewlett Packard decided to move its UK headquarters to Bracknell.
The proposed mixed-use development is set to include industrial and retail units, car showrooms, a 120-bed Premier Inn hotel, up to 200 new homes and a drive through restaurant and bank.
Kier will be seeking detailed planning permission for the redevelopment of the south-western section of the site and outline planning permission to redevelop the north-eastern part of the site.
The planning application is due to be submitted this month and Kier hopes that work on the scheme will start early next year, development manager Ioan Rees commented:
“Having worked closely with Reading Borough Council we believe our proposed redevelopment for retail, hotel, car showroom, trade counter/light industrial and residential uses will see this strategic site transformed into a desirable mixed-use location, providing much-needed housing and creating local jobs,” Rees added.
Haslams and Lambert Smith Hampton are agents for the scheme.