Press Releases

Plans for Sibly Hall site go on display – University of Reading

Release Date : 22 June 2010

The University of Reading would like to invite local residents to an exhibition of its proposals for the development of new homes on land at Sibly Hall, Redhatch Drive in Earley. 

The proposals are for approximately 100 high quality homes, which would be situated on a site to be created by the demolition of the 360 bedroom Sibly hall of residence.  A key component of the plans includes safeguarding and enhancing the adjacent Redhatch Copse woodland area on the site.

Professor Tony Downes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading said:  "The University is in the process of concentrating its student accommodation on the Whiteknights campus with the construction of two new halls nearing completion and further facilities planned. Sibly Hall will, therefore, be surplus to requirement in a few years' time.

"Our plans for the Sibly site involve the demolition of the ten-storey tower block , which has served as student accommodation since 1967. It will be replaced by the development of high quality residential housing. The proposals also include a sustainable management plan to ensure the preservation of Redhatch copse, which covers around half of the site, and the continuity of telecommunication and vital emergency services signals in the area.

"We would like to invite local residents and all interested parties to come and view the plans and help shape the development to reflect the needs of the neighbourhood . A range of experts will be on hand to answer any questions. "

The exhibition will take place at Sibly Hall on Saturday 3 July, from 10am-4pm. Following the exhibition the plans will be available online on the Local Community pages of the University's website at www.reading.ac.uk

An outline planning application will be submitted later this year. In parallel, a separate application will be submitted to ensure the continuity of mobile signals for the area on the Sibly site.

ENDS

Further information from Alex Brannen, Director of Communications, University of Reading, on 0118 378 8005, a.brannen@reading.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

• Telecommunications transmittters are currently located on the roof of Sibly tower and will be relocated on site to ensure continuity of signal.