Plans for an ambitious retirement complex at Grade II-listed Caversham Park, Reading, Berkshire, which was used by the BBC during World War II, have been submitted by Beechcroft Developments.
The 93-acre site, which has a history dating back to the Norman conquest, is dominated by a mansion that was used during WWII by BBC Monitoring, a dedicated unit established by the corporation at the start of the war to intercept German communications. The building was subsequently the home of BBC Radio Berkshire. The BBC eventually ceased broadcasting from the site in 2018. Beechcroft recently purchased the site from the BBC.
Under the plans, the mansion itself, also once used as a convalescent home for soldiers wounded during the First World War, will become a 64-bed care home. An additional seven acres of the sprawling site - some 7.5 per cent of the total - will see the construction of 64 assisted living homes, 61 age-restricted homes, and 33 homes that will be made available without restriction, of which 28 will be, according to the developer, ‘affordable’. Much of the remaining acreage will be opened up to general public access for the first time.
According to Beechcroft’s managing director Chris Thompson: "Beechcroft sees itself as the custodian of one of the most architecturally attractive buildings within Reading and the glorious parkland.
“Caversham Park has a long and fascinating history and a wonderful historic park and garden, whilst being within easy reach of Reading’s excellent shopping facilities and transport links. We aim to secure a sustainable future for the historic buildings on the site and to create high-quality new and converted homes for the over 55s, including affordable homes for sale and rent which will meet both local and national housing needs. New development will respect both the original buildings and the parkland setting, which is an important feature of this site.
“More than 69 per cent of those submitting a feedback form at the public consultation expressed support. We have listened to the public’s views and have amended our original proposals as a result. Caversham Park is mainly registered parkland, and we respect this special designation.
“Significantly for the local community, this scheme will mean that for the first time in generations, access to the parkland will be available.
“This is one of the most exciting planning proposals seen in the borough for many years as it addresses some of the real issues facing Reading. There is a severe shortage of older persons’ housing, affordable housing, and publicly accessible open space.”
