John Lewis Partnership has submitted a planning application for a major residential development in Reading.
- The proposal includes an £80m investment to transform a disused warehouse into 215 rental homes.
- Amenities in the project will feature 6,000 sq ft of community space and gardens.
- This development is part of a broader £500m joint venture to build 1,000 homes.
- The local planning committee will review these plans early next year.
John Lewis Partnership has officially submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of a former distribution warehouse in Reading into a substantial residential complex. The proposal, which requires an investment exceeding £80 million, aims to construct 215 rental homes, incorporating a diverse range of one, two, and three-bedroom properties. It highlights community engagement and sustainability by including 6,000 sq ft of internal amenity space designed for communal usage, complemented by two external garden areas and enhancements to the public realm adjacent to the site, which is strategically located opposite the Oracle shopping centre in Reading’s core area.
This ambitious initiative does not stand alone; it is a critical component of a larger strategic plan, which was unveiled by outgoing chairman, Sharon White, in 2020. The plan focuses on diversifying the firm’s portfolio away from its traditional retail-centric operations towards broader real estate ventures. This £500 million multi-year partnership with Abrdn is instrumental in these efforts, reflecting a shift towards real estate development with a target of delivering nearly 1,000 new homes in London and Reading. It’s noteworthy that already, John Lewis Partnership has secured approval for a similar housing scheme in Bromley, London, which entails the creation of 353 rental units and a revamped retail outlet.
Further extending its reach, the company has lodged another application for a housing project in West Ealing, positioning itself strategically near the local Crossrail station, which is expected to increase the site’s appeal. These initiatives are part of John Lewis’s broader strategy to reshape its business model to integrate more real estate assets into its portfolio. The Reading Borough Council’s planning committee is scheduled to evaluate the newly submitted plans at the start of next year. Should the project receive approval, construction is poised to commence in early 2026, with the aim for initial residents to move in by 2028.
Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent for John Lewis Partnership, spoke on the development, noting, “We have worked closely with Reading Council’s planning officers, local residents, and organisations to propose a scheme that will benefit residents and the wider community by transforming a disused industrial site into a thriving rental community.” Such statements underline the company’s commitment to fostering community-oriented developments.
The John Lewis Partnership’s Reading housing plans reflect a strategic diversification into real estate, aiming to enhance community infrastructure and living spaces.
