Town's shopping centre atrium to be demolished

The owners of The Oracle in Reading have been given the go-ahead to demolish a glass atrium

Plans to demolish a town shopping centre's glass atrium and replace it with 10 new parking spaces have been approved.

Reading Borough Council agreed to the proposal by the owners of The Oracle to increase the site's Holy Brook Car Park.

It would bring the total amount of parking spaces to 605 but means access to the car park from the former House of Fraser unit would be blocked off.

Planning officer Jonathan Markwell noted that the changes would result in reduced access to the car park for shoppers but said the impact would be minimal.

Planning officer Jonathan Markwell said "it will not negatively impact on access" to the shopping centre

He said: "Whilst this will reduce the number of different access points between the car park and the lower floors of The Oracle, it will not negatively impact on access, with nearby alternatives remaining available."

The Oracle opened in 1999, anchored by Debenhams and House of Fraser stores.

In September 2023, the council's planning committee approved a scheme to divide both department stores into three flexible units each, containing hundreds of flats.

Earlier this year, centre operator Hammerson revised the proposed heights of new towers that would be added to the Vue cinema building and former Debenhams store.

It said the number of apartments in the scheme would also be reduced from 449 to 436.