As 2025 comes to a close, here’s a quick look back at what Reading CAAC has been up to. You can see the video version on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
We’ve been busy updating appraisals for Reading’s Conservation Areas, which identify an area’s architectural and historic significance to inform planning decisions. The Eldon Square appraisal is now out for public consultation, work on The Mount appraisal is underway, and we recently held a community meeting.
We reviewed and commented on 8 planning applications with heritage impact, including Drews Hardware on Caversham Road and the former John Lewis depot on Mill Lane.
We’re delighted that the Royal Albion public house on Oxford Road is now officially recognised as a locally important building, acknowledging its 150+ years as part of the local landscape.
Alongside Reading Civic Society, we published a new heritage walking route leaflet highlighting improvements made through the High Street Heritage Action Zone project.
We also launched a Heritage Skills survey to better understand skills shortages in maintaining historic buildings across Berkshire.
Our members stayed actively involved in local projects and events, from an award-winning Oxford Road mural to heritage walking tours and advice on new public artworks.
We’ve got plenty more planned for 2026 – thanks for your support, and Happy New Year!
Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee 