Summary
The property was once a private dwelling house but since the 1960’s has been converted and extended to be used as a School.
It comprises a substantial two and half storied detached building set on a level and rectangular site of some 0.82 acres (0.32 hectares). It is provided with a significant number of single storey modular extensions to the side and rear.
The main building was constructed circa 1897 and traditionally built out of red and grey brick walls with much ornate vertical tile hanging under a pitch slated roof.
The rear and side extensions were used as classrooms and are of more recent age being largely built out of a prefabricated concrete walled construction with flat felt roofs
The accommodation provides some 12,207 square feet (1,136.49 square metres) of floorspace with 5,649 square feet (526.04 square metres) within the main building and some 6,558 square feet (609.42 square metres) within the extensions. Floor plans can be found within the Technical Information Pack.
We would refer you to the photographs of the property in the particulars of sale for further information. A copy of an Ordnance Survey plan accompanying the particulars shows the approximate boundaries of the property edged in red.
EPC - TBC
Key Points
Detached former School suitable for redevelopment or conversion STPPWalking distance to Royal Berks Hospital and the University of ReadingFreehold available with vacant possessionClosing date for offers: 12 Noon 16th November 2022
Tenure
The property will be sold freehold with full vacant possession given on completion.
VAT
We are advised that the property is not elected for VAT.
Planning
The property is not a Listed Building. However, it has recently been added to the List of Locally-Important Buildings and Structures. For further information, please see the ‘Local Listing Report’ in the Technical Information Pack.
The property is not located within a Conservation Area although it does lie close to two Conservation Areas to the north (i.e. The Mount) and west (i.e. Christchurch).
The property’s current lawful use is as a school which falls within Use Class F1 which includes other uses such as training centre, museum, library, place of worship amongst others.
Given the nature and condition of the main building and prefabricated extensions, it is believed that property offers potential for either redevelopment or conversion and extension to another use within Use Class F1, a related use or alternatively a residential use subject to planning permission.
Any planning queries should be directed to the Local Planning Authority:
Reading Borough Council
Civic Offices
Bridge Street
Reading
Berkshire RG1 2LU
Telephone: 0118 937 3787
Web: www.reading.gov.uk
Services
We are advised that mains electricity, gas, water and drainage services are connected to the property. However, prospective purchasers are advised to make their own independent enquiries of the individual authorities to verify the capacity and availability of such services.
Method of Sale
The property is available for sale by way of informal, non-binding tender with the vendor reserving the right not to accept the highest or any offer and the right to withdraw the property from sale or to vary the method of sale at any time without notice. Should several competitive offers be received, the vendor reserves the right to request 'best and final' offers from selected parties.
Offers are sought for the freehold interest on a conditional (subject to planning) or unconditional (subject to contract only) basis. All offers must be made in writing (electronically will suffice) and be submitted to the sole agent (Haslams Surveyors LLP) by 12 noon on 16th November 2022 and must be accompanied by full details of the bidder’s identity, the bidder’s reuse or development proposal, evidence of a delivery track record, full funding details and purchaser profile.
For full details on the method of sale please refer to particulars of sale.
Legal Fees
The council’s legal fees will be payable.
Technical Information Pack
A copy of the Technical Information Pack can be obtained on application from Haslams Surveyors LLP. Please call 0118 921 1500 for access details. The Pack includes:
1. Floor plans
2. Asbestos survey
3. Fire Risk Assessment
4. Site Plan
5. Local Listing Report
6. Title Information
7. DfE Decision Letter
Viewing and All Other Enquiries
All enquiries should be directed to the vendor’s sole agent:
Haslams Surveyors LLP
County House
17 Friar Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 1DB
Telephone: 0118 921 1500 (Switchboard)
Or email: johnradford@haslams.co.uk
Block Viewings of the property will take place on the following days (No appointment necessary during these times):
Tuesday 4th October 2022 at 10.00am
Tuesday 11th October 2022 at 10.00am
Tuesday 18th October 2022 at 10.00am
Tuesday 1st November 2022 at 10.00am
Tuesday 8th November 2022 at 10.00am
Please note that parties must not enter the property outside the block viewing times without our prior authority and any inspection of the site is at the prospective purchaser’s risk.
Location
The property is favourably located approximately 0.9 miles south-east of Reading town centre and the Oracle shopping complex. It lies close to both Reading University’s main campus and the Royal Berkshire Hospital and is within walking distance of Reading railway station providing direct services to London Paddington and London Waterloo.
The surrounding area is of a mature and largely good quality residential character but there are also several non-residential uses in the vicinity. The adjacent properties are in residential use and the rear of the property backs on to Cintra Park.
Junction 11 of the M4 motorway and the A329 lie approximately 3 miles to the south and 1.5 miles to the east respectively.