Library set to be turned into flats

Reading Central Library was built in 1985

A library that has stood for 39 years is set to be sold and converted into dozens of new flats.

Reading Central Library opened in 1985, but now Reading Borough Council is seeking to sell it after it won £19.164 million from a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant.

The funding will be used to establish a new library at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street.

The council's policy committee is being asked to approval the disposal of the Central Library site at a meeting on Monday 10 June.

The library was recently used as a venue for an arts exhibition, and two years ago it was the scene of commotion when protesters infiltrated a Drag Queen Story Hour event for children.

According to a council document, the site of the existing library - one of around 20 sites identified for development in the council’s Local Plan Partial Update process - will hold an estimated 46 homes.

The document says the new library will "inspire residents, boost literacy rates and create a hub for support services".

A briefing document to the council’s policy committee states the existing building is more likely to be converted into housing rather than replaced with a purpose-built apartment block.

Charan Dhillon the council's assistant director of property and assets management and the author of the document, wrote that "advice places a higher value on upwards extension and retention of the existing building" instead of demolishing it.

But she added: "What the market dictates is the best value for the site will not be certain until marketing commences."

The sale of the Library will mean three current occupants must vacate.

It is understood Berkshire Family History Society will relocate to Battle Library.

REDA, the economy and destination agency, and Reading Voluntary Action must leave by December, whilst travel charity Sustrans has already vacated.