John Lewis submits plans for 215 homes on disused Reading industrial site

John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has submitted an application with Reading Borough Council to transform a former distribution warehouse into rental housing.

JLP plans to invest £80 million and build 215 energy-efficient homes, as well as 6,000 sq ft of internal amenity space – including space for community use and two new external garden spaces.

The site is located next to the A329 and opposite the Oracle shopping centre in central Reading.

Homes will be purpose built for renters with shared areas for fitness, home working and socialising, and will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.

The scheme is estimated to generate more than £1.9 million of new household spend per year, which JLP says will support local shops and services.

Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, said: “We’ve 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.

“By revitalising brownfield land, we have a fantastic opportunity to provide a significant number of homes, which can help alleviate some of the growing pressure on Reading’s housing market.

“These will be homes not only developed by us, but managed by us, meaning we can offer quality service and a guarantee that homes will not be sold off, as so often happens in the rental market.”

A decision from the council’s planning committee is expected early next year.

If approved, construction is expected to start in early 2026, allowing the first residents to take occupancy in 2028.