Future uncertain for Reading Link Retail Park with possible housing development, impacting stores and parking.
If that happens, several stores would close. The Food Warehouse and Bensons for Beds may go. Magnet Kitchens and Sports Bike Shop could close too. The new JD Gym’s future looks uncertain.
The park’s owners, Sorbon Estates, responded. They said a rebuild is far off for now. Retail parks are popular again, it seems, and they want to keep it as a retail spot.
Sorbon Estates sees the plan as long-term protection. Redevelopment is unlikely while retail is strong. They built a Starbucks drive-thru and are adding the gym.
The new gym needs planning permission. It will eliminate 47 parking spaces. The council approved it last June. The rebuild could happen between 2028 and 2033.
Sorbon Estates owns a lot around there, you know. They bought St Martins Precinct for £16 million just last November.