Reading Borough Council agrees to sell off Central Library

Reading Central Library is to be put on the market after councillors agreed to a motion backing its sale.

Reading Central Library on Kings Road has been in use for some 40 years and will soon be surplus to requirement, as most of the collection will be moved into a brand new library in an extension to the council’s offices in Bridge Street.

The library has also served as offices for Reading Voluntary Action and REDA, the town’s economy and destination agency.

Members of Reading Borough Council’s policy committee agreed to instruct a sales agent to begin marketing the Central Library site ahead of its closure next year.

There are hopes that the site could become a site for 46 homes, most likely apartments, providing the council’s target of 30 per cent being designated affordable.

However, it was acknowledged that it would be unclear what could be delivered at the site until it receives interest from buyers.

READ MORE: Reading Council reveals £20 million bid to revitalise Hexagon and Central Library