John Lewis’ £80m Reading housing project nears approval

John Lewis Partnership is moving forward with plans to redevelop its former customer collection facility in Reading, continuing its expansion into the build-to-rent housing market.

The site, which was previously used for customers to collect orders, closed in 2022 after being deemed surplus to requirements.

Now, according to the BBC, the retailer has submitted proposals to replace it with an 11-storey residential development featuring 215 energy-efficient apartments.

The scheme includes a mix of 111 one-bedroom, 92 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom homes, with 10% allocated at affordable rent levels.

A portion of the apartments will also be reserved for key workers, including healthcare staff and emergency service personnel. Residents will have access to shared spaces, including flexible work-from-home areas, a gym or fitness studio, and communal lounge and dining areas.

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This development aligns with John Lewis Partnership’s £80m investment into rental housing in Reading, first announced back in in September, which also includes plans to regenerate a former distribution warehouse into energy-efficient homes and green spaces.

The retailer has pledged to retain and manage these properties, ensuring long-term rental stability.

A decision on the planning application is expected soon, with Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee set to review it at its next meeting on 2 April. If approved, construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the first residents moving in by 2028.

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