UK: A former probation office in central Reading will be demolished to make way for the town’s first coliving scheme, as approved by Reading Borough Council’s planning committee on 2 April.
Led by residential developer Elder Developments, the project will include private studios with access to shared kitchens, workspaces, a gym, a café, a games room and a rooftop media lounge.
The 266-unit Reading coliving development targets younger renters and professionals seeking flexible living arrangements in urban centres. Construction timelines have not yet been confirmed.
The existing building, Greyfriars House, was previously used by Ministry of Justice probation services until operations were relocated in January 2021.
Councillors raised concerns about management and long-term housing needs, as well as about the lack of affordable housing on-site.
In the end, the scheme was welcomed as a way to diversify housing options in Reading. Councillor Richard Davies said: “It’s an extra type of tenure. We all accept that not everyone wants to live in this kind of way, and if it were all that we were given permission for, and if it was all that was being built, then there would be a problem. But in the round, in the mix with all the other types of tenure that is being proposed and are being built in the town, it offers some diversity of choice.”
Because of the lack of affordable housing, Elder Developments will contribute £3.566 million towards off-site provision through phased payments to the council.
