John Lewis submits plan for £80m housing project

If plans are approved, construction is expected to start in 2026

John Lewis plans to build 215 homes at an unused distribution centre.

The department store chain has submitted an application to Reading Borough Council for an £80m development.

The proposal would transform the warehouse opposite the Oracle shopping centre into energy-efficient homes, as well as 6,000 sq ft of internal amenity space, two gardens and a community space.

Katherine Russell, director of Build-To-Rent for John Lewis, said: "By revitalising brownfield land we have a fantastic opportunity to provide a significant number of homes."

The plans aim for 10% of the 215 rental flats to be designated as affordable homes.

If approved, it expects construction to start in early 2026.

Ms Russell added: “We have 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.

"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.”