John Lewis Reading BtR scheme recommended for approval

Plans to redevelop a vacant John Lewis warehouse site in central Reading have been recommended for approval by Reading Borough Council, paving the way for 170 new build-to-rent homes on Mill Lane.

The site, located opposite the Oracle car park and adjacent to the A329, is currently underutilised and has been identified for regeneration as part of the town’s wider response to surging housing demand. The proposal, brought forward by the John Lewis Partnership, aims to deliver a high-quality, energy-efficient residential scheme on brownfield land.

The development will comprise up to eight storeys and include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Around 16% of the homes will be provided as affordable housing, with 10% offered at Local Housing Allowance levels and a further 6% at Discount Market Rent.

Design revisions made following consultation with the council include a reduced building footprint, allowing for a larger unified communal garden with landscaping and play areas. The scheme also incorporates public realm improvements and is designed with biophilic principles to support resident wellbeing, including access to sunlight, greenery, and shared spaces for socialising and working.

Architecturally, the scheme draws from the surrounding Market Place & London Street Conservation Area, employing a warm brickwork palette, horizontal banding, and detailed corbelling. The design includes a clear base, middle, and crown to provide human scale and proportionality.

The John Lewis Partnership will retain long-term ownership and management of the homes, aligning the development with the company’s broader commitments to quality, sustainability, and community-building. According to the applicant, the scheme represents a significant regeneration opportunity that will contribute to Reading’s housing needs while respecting the site’s heritage context.

Subject to final approval, the development will add to the growing pipeline of build-to-rent projects aimed at addressing housing shortages in well-connected urban locations.