Swindon & Wiltshire News
Landmark Reading office block could be converted into flats
A landmark office block that was for nearly 30 years the Reading home of ‘The Man from The Pru’ could be converted into apartments according to new plans submitted to Reading Borough Council.
Kennet Place was home to 600 workers from insurance giant The Prudential from 1992 until 2019, when the company announced the closure of three regional offices.
Now, S & S Quality Contractors Ltd are seeking permission from Reading Borough Council to convert the entire office block – five storeys along with basement parking – into 93 one- and two-bed apartments.
The visually striking building is adjacent to the recently-constructed high density residential development Huntley Wharf, which is named after the town’s Huntley & Palmer biscuit factory.
The application assures planners that the underground car park can accommodate one car per apartment, with room for a handful of visitor and disabled driver spaces. Reading Station is an 11-minute walk away, which should make the development attractive to young professionals who commute to London.
