Plans approved to replace Reading House of Fraser

The Oracle has been granted planning permission to change the use of the House of Fraser unit

Planning permission has been granted to replace a House of Fraser with a bowling alley and food hall.

Reading Borough Council approved plans for the new attractions at the town's Oracle shopping centre.

A mini golf and new shops have also been approved for the space currently occupied by the department store.

Hammerson, which owns the shopping centre, said "at this stage we are considering all options for the future" of the House of Fraser at The Oracle.

Sport Direct, which owns the House of Fraser, have been contacted for comment.

Last month the firm told the BBC it was in conversations with The Oracle to secure the future of the department store there.

It added it had submitted plans to see The Oracle branch trade for another 15 years and was "currently awaiting confirmation".

House of Fraser has been at the shopping centre since 1999

In a statement, Hammerson, said the planning permission had given it "flexibility to introduce new leisure and restaurant options and bring new brands to the town."

Reading councillor for planning, Tony Page, said it was a "further vote of confidence" in the town centre, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Major investment is being brought forward to increase the diversity, versatility and attractiveness of the offer at the Oracle. I very much welcome it," he added.

House of Fraser has been at The Oracle since the shopping centre opened in 1999.