Norman Place, a former office building in Reading, is being redeveloped into a riverside apartment block called Waterfront Place. Norman Place is located off Vastern Road, north of Reading train station, and next to Clearwater Court, the Thames Water headquarters.
The developer, Packaged Living, plans to demolish the six-story building and construct a “U” shaped block with 254 apartments. The development will also include a cafe, 18 car parking spaces, and 136 parking spaces for cyclists. All parking spaces will have capacity for electric vehicle charging.
Public Consultation
Residents can view and comment on the proposals here >> https://waterfrontsquare.co.uk/
Reading Cycle Campaign Response:
We would support the proposal for flats in this sustainable location, which is close to Reading station and Reading town centre. The reduction in vehicular traffic generation associated with the proposed flats compared with that of the existing offices is to be welcomed as this would support objectives to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality identified in the Council’s Transport Strategy 2040.
We would strongly support the proposals for significant improvements to existing walking and cycling routes through the development site and their integration into the wider network of routes across Reading. This would also support objectives to promote active travel identified in the Council’s Transport Strategy 2040.
The Thameside path fronting the site is a popular local walking and cycling route as well as forming part of National Cycle Network Route 5, which extends from Reading through to Oxford and further north. The route in the vicinity of the site is presently relatively narrow and widening the path along with the proximity to the proposed public open space will considerably improve facilities for those walking and cycling in the area.
The existing path along the western side of the site from Vastern Road forms part of an important walking and cycling route between central Caversham and Reading station/Reading town centre. It is very well used for everyday journeys as well as leisure trips. At present, the route is relatively narrow with poor visibility at bends and where it joins the Thameside path. The proposed widening and straightening of the path will be a major improvement in terms of user amenity and convenience.
Improved cycle facilities between Reading town centre and Caversham through the site would also have road safety benefits as this would provide an alternative route that avoids Vastern Road roundabout. The roundabout has a very poor road safety record for cyclists, with 12 injury crashes involving cyclists reported to the Police over the last five years.
Finally, the developer is to be applauded for the pre-application discussions with stakeholders that have helped refine the proposals, especially the improved walking and cycling routes across the site.
