Office building to be converted into court complex

Sovereign House will be reused by the Ministry of Justice

A plan to convert offices in Reading town centre into a court complex has been given the go-ahead.

Sovereign House, just north of Reading Station in Vastern Road, used to serve as offices for a housing association.

It is set to be converted into a tribunal court by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to handle cases including employment, immigration and tax disputes.

Reading Borough Council's planning applications committee unanimously approved the plan at a meeting on Wednesday.

The conversion involves the reconfiguration of the building to provide seven hearing rooms, 10 judicial offices, a members' room and a judicial lounge.

It will also include a medical room, two waiting rooms with space for 10 people each, seven server and communications rooms, a security office and a reception.