Reading: Urban market gets planning go-ahead

Reading council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the temporary market place accommodated within 16 recycled metal shipping containers.

With a lifespan of five years, the project in South Court will accommodate a mix of retailers and restaurants and incorporate a rooftop stage for live music performances.

The urban market will be home to a range of independent retailers and food operators in an undeveloped area to the south of Broad Street Mall. 

The stacking of the units will create a courtyard fronting onto South Court and Dusseldorf Way/Hosier Street. The market will allow innovative businesses to test new products and concepts, whilst providing visitors with a far greater choice of places to shop, eat and be entertained.

Gary Lewis, MD of Moorgarth Group, said: "We are delighted to have secured planning consent for our urban market in South Court. The scheme will bring a new and exciting range of shopping and dining to the town and is an important step in our revitalisation of Broad Street Mall. We are hoping to install the containers this Spring and by open for trading in the Summer."

Source: CoStar