News

Plans submitted to enhance the current offer at The Oracle in Reading

On behalf of Hammerson, we have submitted planning applications to diversify the current offer at The Oracle which would develop the eastern end of the centre to bring forward 449 rental apartments and 94,000 sq ft of reconfigured retail, entertainment and workspace.

We provided Planning, Strategic Communications, Sustainability, EIA, Economics and Heritage, Townscape & Landscape services. The proposal, which will transform the eastern quarter of The Oracle, forms part of Hammerson’s vision to continue to evolve and future-proof The Oracle as a vibrant multi-use destination, to meet current and future needs in the town centre.  

We worked closely with Hammerson, Packaged Living, local stakeholders and Reading Borough Council. The application follows a public consultation, with detailed feedback from over 100 respondents subsequently incorporated into the proposal.

Diversifying The Oracle: New homes and workspace

The development will offer a range of much needed new homes to rent, for Reading’s rapidly growing population, all set within new public realm and landscaping along the River Kennet. Retail will remain at the heart of The Oracle – alongside new uses, including flexible workspace, entertainment and leisure space featuring a modern cinema to enhance and diversify The Oracle’s proposition.

Sustainability 

Designed by architects CRTKL and delivered in partnership with build-to-rent developer, Packaged Living, the new homes will be built in line with Hammerson’s sustainability commitments and exceeding regulatory requirements. The new homes will use innovative technology to source energy locally from the River Kennet via water source heat pumps, whilst the scheme will target BREEAM excellent rating for all commercial areas by creating sustainable future-proof buildings from the construction process through into the long-term use.  

Harry Badham, Chief Development & Asset Repositioning Officer, Hammerson, said:

“These proposals are designed to reinvigorate and reposition The Oracle by introducing sustainable new homes for rent, as well as incorporating new typologies and configurations of commercial space that will provide opportunities for new styles and types of retail, hospitality, services and amenities to enhance the customer experience.”

Mark Woodrow, Joint Managing Director of Packaged Living, commented:

“We are delighted to be providing much needed housing to the local area. The scheme demonstrates our commitment to deliver properties that are fit for the future, combining high quality finishes with high energy efficiency, low carbon solutions and importantly lower costs for the residents that will live there.”

Reinvigorating The Oracle and supporting Reading town centre

This mixed-use scheme would establish The Oracle as a distinctive destination where people want to work, play and live, with improved connectivity and public spaces along the riverfront. The proposals also support Hammerson’s placemaking ambitions - creating destinations in urban locations, which have the potential to reshape neighbourhoods for generations to come. 

For further information please visit: www.theoracleconsultation.co.uk  

10 January 2023

Image courtesy of CRTKL