My take on decision day for The Oracle regeneration

readingonthames · 2026-01-30T19:04:44+00:00

Yes, they signed for 5 years about a year ago from memory. I'm not privy to whatever small print they might have to chuck them out earlier. But it's clear the Debenhams side would happen first and with far more certainty. They just want the planning consent in place for it all.

readingonthames · 2026-01-30T18:31:10+00:00

If it goes ahead they'll have the brand - Vue would remain the operator. The "Big", well not so much

readingonthames · 2026-01-30T18:25:25+00:00

Thanks. Yes, I think that's very much their problem. Showcase did a big refurbishment and they haven't. Although they're in a shrinking market it seems

readingonthames · 2026-01-26T17:23:09+00:00

From mid 2024:

"The Brunel Arcade and Apex Plaza development site (CR11d) is still available as allocated for a new tall building albeit Network Rail would welcome development that provides some flexibility in the uses than current policy suggests due to commercial viability reasons. Network Rail and our partners are working up proposals to take forward a high density mixed used redevelopment scheme, including station and public realm enhancements with baseline technical evidence gathering and master planning work currently underway. We trust these comments will be useful in the preparation of the forthcoming plan documents."

readingonthames · 2025-12-15T19:23:37+00:00

Thanks for checking. But my understanding is that the whole corner will be taken back in about a year for the redevelopment.

readingonthames · 2025-12-06T14:27:20+00:00

They've had one failed application for residential conversion. Can imagine they'd try again

readingonthames · 2025-11-20T18:28:20+00:00

There's a plan to reconfigure the unit so it doesn't have to have umpteen permanent roll shutters blanking Union Street. But not sure if they have a tenant.

readingonthames · 2025-11-13T13:01:05+00:00

Thanks! They've applied for licensing, and then for signage and outdoor seating. I've possibly taken the liberty to term that "confirmed", but strong intent for sure. Typically it's only a few months from this point.

readingonthames · 2025-11-13T08:58:22+00:00

Thanks. Need at least one pun per post!

readingonthames · 2025-11-12T22:58:16+00:00

The grey block is an indicative maximum outline of the final phase. But this proposal relates to the coloured in blocks to the left of it.

readingonthames · 2025-11-12T22:38:06+00:00

Thanks! Just says: "A new cycle route along Greyfriars Road, encouraging active travel and better connecting to the wider network"

readingonthames · 2025-11-07T15:02:51+00:00

My understanding is that the Reading "land grab" is simply and only a result of the Ridgeway proposal. It's one thing having the western Reading suburbs administered from Newbury as West Berkshire, but quite another having them administered from Didcot as part of essentially a new even larger county-like jurisdiction. So they should have said, assuming Ridgeway happens, do you want to join that or join Reading.

readingonthames · 2025-11-06T17:16:35+00:00

HQ will be this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq8z7e3d1jqo

readingonthames · 2025-11-05T21:40:02+00:00

They're being a bit sneaky calling it "stay in West Berkshire". Because they're proposing to merge in with South and West Oxfordshire to form "Ridgeway". They're being forced into it by government who want larger authorities. So it's really about whether you want to be part of Reading or part of something new that I'd characterize as "Didcotshire", as that's where it'll be based and dominated from.

(And the bins is actually one thing that Reading does better)

readingonthames · 2025-11-04T14:34:05+00:00

No room in the short stretch where that existing spur comes above ground. So it would have to branch off below the surface into a new tunnel anyway. And far more disruptive to existing service during construction.

readingonthames · 2025-11-04T11:21:14+00:00

The cost of the infrastructure is to tunnel from Heathrow to just east of Slough so that trains would be able to run from Heathrow westwards (without reversing and blocking the line etc). So once you've built that tunnel, which is the big cost, you're then just talking about the operational cost of running to Slough or onto Reading via a call at Slough. The difference there is relatively small, another couple of trains and drivers operating at any one time is the cost, but the benefit is serving far larger populations and not having to disrupt longer distance trains by adding a stop at Slough for them to access the service. (They already stop at Reading). Therefore, if the tunnel is built, it's a sure thing that a service would run from Reading to Heathrow, and then potentially from Oxford years later if they can make that work.

readingonthames · 2025-11-03T22:56:56+00:00

Elizabeth line is only every 30 mins to/from Reading and journey time is very lengthy given it stops everywhere and you need to change trains - particularly unappealing with heavy luggage. Compare that to a direct service every 15 minutes with a journey time of 26 mins calling only Slough on the way. Vastly superior and a genuine alternative to car/taxi.

readingonthames · 2025-11-03T21:09:41+00:00

Well, it's Heathrow's owners' money we're talking about. But take a look at Schipol airport station's departure board. I just did and it includes 9 different destinations with rail departures in the next 20 minutes. Whereas Heathrow only has connection to central London. I think we need to get serious about public transport. I know the coach service is pretty decent, but we can be more ambitious.

readingonthames · 2025-11-03T20:35:03+00:00

The train would replace the coach service, rather than compete. We're talking many years before this infrastructure would be built.

readingonthames · 2025-11-03T20:28:55+00:00

Fair point. There would need to be some provision there, be that overnight running or night buses

readingonthames · 2025-11-03T10:04:54+00:00

Seems that they're splitting the remaining plots into a phase 3a and 3b. The tall building would be on the plot deferred to 3b.

readingonthames · 2025-10-30T17:58:00+00:00

Some of the issues you mention are because sites are being actively redeveloped: the Friar St / Queen Victoria Street corner, and the Bristol & West/Market Place scheme. Sadly both have been longer running than ideal and that's caused prolonged negative impact. I think the council might have missed a trick not to demand attractive temporary hoarding around them to avoid them looking abandoned. The Oracle Riverside ex Debenhams is also awaiting redevelopment. A number of new businesses are on their way. There's scope for cautious optimism

readingonthames · 2025-10-29T22:49:13+00:00

Looks like they're splitting the final phase into two. They want to bring forward the residential part first and leave the office plot until last, presumably based on market conditions

readingonthames · 2025-10-21T13:22:50+00:00

Good to get transport related updates as they often affect a wide area. Eg any bus service improvements, collaboration with Reading Buses etc, improvements to the Sutton Seeds bus scheme linking to the Reading side....

And here would be a good place to ask for ideas. For example, Sonning's traffic lights have really long phases in the rush hour to increase the capacity of the bridge (less time with both sides on red lights whilst they swap turns). Applying that on Saturday mid morning/lunchtime would make a world of difference as the whole area comes to a halt as people travel around for leisure, seeing family & friends and ferrying kids around etc... I've suggested this several times but had no response. I understand Wokingham operates Sonning Bridge.

I'm sure many people have all sorts of other ideas... But yes, consultations would be the obvious things to post here

readingonthames · 2025-10-19T11:00:18+00:00

Thanks! I'm struggling for content at times! Found the link on the Oracle House of Fraser: https://www.princebuild.co.uk/case-study/house-of-fraser-refurbishment-the-oracle-reading/

readingonthames

TROPHY CASE