University submits planning applications for Sibly Hall site
Release Date 20 December 2010
The University of Reading has submitted a planning application for outline permission for a proposal to redevelop its Sibly Hall site in Redhatch Drive, Earley.
Under the plans, the ten-storey Hall of Residence, which was constructed in the late 1960s, would be demolished and around 100 new high-quality homes built. The 360-bedroom Sibly tower currently hosts mobile communications equipment on its roof. To ensure the continuity of the mobile signal, as well as vital emergency services signals in the area, the University has also submitted a planning application for the relocation of a mast within the Sibly site.
The housing development is designed to reflect the housing styles and density of the surrounding area and will comprise a mix of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses as well as 1 and 2 bed apartments. A tree planting scheme and mix of open leisure spaces will also complement the development.
A key component of the plans includes safeguarding and enhancing Redhatch Copse woodland area, which covers about half the Sibly site. A sustainable management plan for the woodland will ensure the preservation of the copse. The new phone mast will be relocated within an existing clearing in the copse to maximise the screening of the mast.
Professor Tony Downes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "As we are concentrating our student accommodation on the Whiteknights campus, Sibly Hall will not be required after the end of the 2012 academic year. At a time of economic challenges for higher education, the University needs to ensure that we make best use of our assets in order to provide for our core purpose of conducting excellent teaching and world-renowned research. However, in so doing, we are confident that we have devised a scheme for Sibly that will provide excellent quality homes in keeping with the area, a secure future for the woodland and continuity of the mobile signal for the local community."
The University hosted a public exhibition on the plans earlier in the year, which was attended by over 200 local residents. Where possible, the design team has tried to incorporate comments, suggestions and feedback from the exhibition. The University will now be sending local residents a newsletter to explain what the design of the final scheme.
More details at www.reading.ac.uk/local
ENDS
Further information from University of Reading communications office on 0118 378 8005 / 7115 / 7388