Revised black history mural building plan approved

The 36m-long mural features paintings of prominent individuals from history

Another redevelopment plan for the “spiritual home” of the black community in Reading has been given the go-ahead.

Plans have been afoot for 18 years to demolish Reading Central Club in London Street for housing - but its mural to be retained.

The building contains a 36m (118ft) black history mural, which depicts Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Reading man Terrance “Jeff” Allamby and other prominent people.

Proposals to build 17 flats and a community hall on the site were given the go-ahead in July 2023 but building owners Red Line amended them.

Revisions involve reducing the amount of three-bedroom units, creating a new entrance and providing a ramp for wheelchair access. A total of 19 flats will be built.

Another facet of the project that was welcomed by council planners is the provision of new community space.

The council’s Labour administration sold the site to Red Line in 2018 on the provision that the mural will be fully preserved.

Labour councillor John Ennis welcomed progress on the project due to the significance of the site at a meeting on 2 October.

“It’s really good for there to be a community facility to be utilised there, and I really hope that it is as diverse in its nature as it always was,” he added.

“The Central Club was unique to Reading and it was part of the fabric.”