Summary
Former library premises available for sale to the west of Reading with potential for residential redevelopment and other uses STPP
Location
The property occupies a prominent position just off Southcote Lane, on the corner of Coronation Square. The building is in an established residential area, close to local amenities.
A short walk north of the property is Prospect Park, the largest park in Reading.
Reading centre with its multiple facilities, including the Oracle Shopping Complex, lies approximately 2.4 miles to the north-east of the property.
Reading railway station which offers an excellent rail connection into London, with up to seven trains an hour during peak times, is approximately 3 miles away. The fast train takes under 30 minutes to get into London Paddington.
We would refer you to the location plan within the particulars of sale for further information.
Description
A copy of an Ordnance Survey plan can be found within the particulars of sale which shows the approximate boundaries of the property edged in red.
The site comprises a flat, regular square-shaped parcel of open land of approximately 0.17 hectares (0.42 acres) with a single-story building located in the middle of the site.
The property was built circa 1974 and is made from solid brick, under a part pitched lead roof and part flat bitumen roof. Internally the building comprises an entrance lobby, two kitchens, 4 bathrooms, three large rooms and two offices. Around the perimeter of the site, there is a knee-high brick wall. There is plenty of space for off-street parking to the front of the property.
The building was used as the Southcote Library (Use Class D1 (Non-residential institutions)). The Library has been relocated in the newly reconfigured Southcote Community Hub at Coronation Square.
The current building has a Gross Internal Area of approximately 360.47 sq. m (3,880 sq. ft.).
We would refer you to the photographs of the property for further information.
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.
Tenure
The property will be sold freehold with full vacant possession given on completion.
Rateable Value
The property’s Rateable Value is £26,500
Rating Authority: Reading Borough Council.
Energy Performance Certificate
Rating E
Planning and Access
The property’s current lawful planning use falls within Use Class D1 (Non-Residential Institutions) which includes such uses as medical services, religious and public buildings, day centre, education, gallery, nurseries and crèche. However, future buyers should satisfy themselves as to the lawfulness of any use with the Local Planning Authority (Reading Borough Council).
There are no protected trees on site, and the site is not in a Conservation Area. The existing building is not listed or of any particular design merit but could be retained and re-used for alternative community activity, such as a doctors surgery, day nursery or similar.
In planning terms, the local plan states that the loss of an existing community facility will not be permitted unless justified. The Library has been relocated in the newly reconfigured Southcote Community Hub at Coronation Square.
The property has not been subject to any further planning applications for residential or other development, but we are of the view that the land has the potential to be developed for residential purposes given the character of the surrounding area and the Library's relocation.
Please refer to the particulars of sale for further information on planning and access.
Method of Sale: Offers and Overage
The site is offered for sale by way of informal, non-binding tender with the vendor reserving the right not to accept the highest or any offer and also reserving the right to withdraw the site from the sale or to vary the method of sale at any time without notice. In the event that a number of competitive offers are 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 on planning or unconditional (subject to contract only) basis. All offers must be made in writing and submitted to the sole agent (Haslams Surveyors LLP) by 12 noon on Thursday 16th January 2020 and must be accompanied by details of the development proposal, evidence of a delivery track record, funding details and purchaser profile.
Further information on the method of sale can be found within the particulars of sale.
If you are also considering submitting an offer as a voluntary sector or community organisation, then the necessary Third Sector bid documentation can be obtained from Reading Voluntary Action by emailing info@rva.org.uk
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 Information Pack includes:
- Land Registry and Title Plans (BK427774)
- Ordnance Survey Plan
- Floor plans
- Energy Performance Certificate
- Asbestos Audit Report
- LPA Planning Statement
Viewing and All Other Enquiries
All enquiries should be directed to the vendor’s sole agent Haslams Surveyors LLP.
Block viewings will take place on the following days. No appointment necessary.
Tuesday 12th November 2019 at 10.00am
Tuesday 19th November 2019 at 10.00am
Tuesday 3rd December 2019 at 10.00am
Tuesday 10th December 2019 at 10.00am
Tuesday 7th January 2020 at 10.00am
Tuesday 14th January 2020 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.