Reading: High-rise apartment blocks proposed for Napier Court site

Five apartment blocks could be built in Reading

Hundreds of apartments could be built in a town centre under new proposals.

An investment company has revealed early plans to build up to 570 flats on the current site of the Napier Court offices in Reading.

The development would also include a communal lounge, gym and workspace.

Labour MP for the area Matt Rodda said he was concerned about the noise from nearby railway lines but welcomed plans to make some of the flats affordable.

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Napier Court is currently made up of three two-storey office buildings, but they could be demolished if the plans of Peveril Securities are given the go-ahead.

CGI of the proposed development showed five 11-storey interconnected apartment blocks. They would be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats.

The plan is at an early stage and a consultation would be held before anything was submitted to Reading Borough Council.

The flats would be built on the current site of the Napier Court offices

Planning agents Carney Sweeney said the designs were "carefully considered to create a sustainable development that will enhance the surrounding area".

It would include 56 car parking spaces and eight motorbike spaces, and would be about 11 minutes from the train station.

MP Mr Rodda said he "would like to see more family houses" being built in Reading while raising concerns over noise from the nearby railway line.

But he welcomed the planned use of building materials that "echo the brickwork used in many Victorian streets" and the aim to make a "significant number" of the flats affordable. He also praised the possibility of including a play area.