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Packaged Living, a developer and operator of high-quality homes to rent, has submitted a planning application to Reading Borough Council to redevelop the obsolete, vacant office site at Norman Place.
The Waterfront Square planning application was submitted in July 2025.
Packaged Living has continued to work with Reading Borough Council to enhance the scheme where possible. A revised scheme has therefore been submitted which responds to stakeholder comments. A summary of the changes and key benefits of the application is provided below.
- Reduction in homes from 254 to 236 high-quality, sustainable build-to-rent homes in a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bed with a generous provision of internal and external amenity space
- A new waterfront public square which presents the opportunity for a flexible mix of uses for the local community
- Commercial opportunity at ground floor, fronting the river, to contribute to creating a sense of place
- Increased width to Norman Place, giving more to public realm and the pedestrian/cycle route
- Reduced height to Block A1 and B2, enlarging roof terrace by 50%
- Chamfering to riverside blocks at upper storeys
- Landscaping and ecological enhancements
- A biodiversity net gain in excess of 10%
- Local job creation from construction through to operation
- The integration of renewable energy throughout the development
- Enhanced application of materials to articulate buildings
