Specialist national developer with a focus on the Build to Rent market – McLaren Living – has submitted a new planning application to Reading Borough Council for the redevelopment of the Broad Street Mall Build to Rent scheme. Earlier this year, the developer partnered with AEW to regenerate the mall.

New plans build upon previous consent and will bring forward an enhanced scheme, delivering a reinvigorated and vibrant neighbourhood with more homes, improved public realm, a regenerated shopping centre, offices, retail and leisure.

The proposals will see the redevelopment of the southern part of the 4.6-acre Broad Street Mall site to include over 600 tenure-blind market and affordable Build to Rent homes, c.15,000 sq ft of commercial space comprising office, retail and leisure uses, a vibrant public realm and improvements to Broad Street Mall.

The three residential buildings will be strategically positioned to the south of Broad Street Mall, tracing the Dusseldorf Way link between the Hexagon and the Minster, and integrating into the wider Minster Quarter masterplan.

To minimise its carbon footprint, the proposed Broad Street Mall development will aim to achieve a high level of environmental performance. Buildings will incorporate the use of photovoltaics and air-source heat pumps and each apartment will achieve a minimum EPC rating of B. With the non-residential parts of the buildings, McLaren Living is also seeking to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

The revised masterplan for the redevelopment of Broad Street Mall has been designed by AHR Architects. Subjected to substantial pre-application engagement, the masterplan will create a landmark destination for the town, and one which celebrates the 20th Century heritage of the urban quarter and reinforces its identity as an arts and culture destination,

The masterplan also aligns with Reading’s 2050 vision, providing a blueprint for placemaking centred around smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Since the previous consent was granted for the Broad Street Mall site, McLaren Living has sought to update the plans and the new development reflects the latest policy and legislative standards and market needs.

This includes the long-term commercial viability and active street frontages, while still delivering a scheme that integrates with the emerging Minster Quarter redevelopment, enabling rejuvenation of the wider town centre in line with the Council’s aspirations.

Oliver Westray, Development Director, McLaren Living, commented:

“Our new plans focus on regenerating Broad Street Mall and delivering an enhanced and reinvigorated mixed-use neighbourhood, one which will deliver on the council’s plans for the area and align with its vision for the town.

“We’ve sought to create a renewed and vibrant retail and residential destination, one that will be resilient and sustainable and support the local economy.

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Reading Borough Council to deliver our vision for the transformation of Broad Street Mall.”