Restoration of former malthouse site receives unanimous approval
< View all news

Restoration of former malthouse site receives unanimous approval

Published on 28 April 2023

Localised on the northern outskirts of Reading town centre and formerly housing a malthouse and brewery in the 19th century, JTP’s proposals for 71-73 Caversham Road, Reading received unanimous approval from Reading Borough Council for the retention and reconfiguration of the building to create new homes and an enhanced retail offer at ground floor level.

Retaining and restoring a large portion of the existing malthouse and the brewery buildings to the rear of the site, the currently derelict building will be revived with 29 new homes, 30% of which are affordable, and 300 sqm of retail space which aims to improve the frontage along Caversham Road. Homes will range from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom apartments and contribute positively to the housing needs in the local area. Almost all dwellings will benefit from private balconies and a communal terrace will provide residents with 74 sqm of additional outdoor amenity space.

Listed as a local heritage asset, the designs have been inspired by the existing building fabric in particular the use of materials and detailing. As such, the new build portions of the redevelopment have sensitively incorporated similar elements featuring predominately red brickwork, blue brick banding and steel-coloured frames.

Green roofs and green landscape within the scheme have assisted in the site’s biodiversity, and the addition of 38 cycle spaces provided on site will encourage sustainable travel by residents. Roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels will also provide a clean, renewable source of energy for the building.

Significant local engagement and consultation were undertaken by the team to allow the transformation of this vacant site to come forward including meetings with local stakeholders such as the Bell Tower Association.

“
Our team are thrilled to see this project achieve unanimous approval after an extensive engagement process. It is also extremely pleasing that our proposals were able to retain and restore a significant proposition of the current buildings on site and respect the former malthouse’s heritage and local listing, whilst still being able to provide a suitable high-quality, mixed-use solution to revive the site.
Dominic Chapman, Partner at JTP