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Major Makeover for Reading's Oracle: Homes Replacing Shops
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Over 400 new apartments planned for the shopping centre.
- Former Debenhams and Vue cinema to be replaced by towers.
- Project recommended for approval by Reading councillors.
Reading Borough Council's planning committee is set to decide on significant changes to the Oracle shopping centre. The proposed redevelopment includes the construction of over 400 new apartments, transforming the existing landscape of the mall.
As part of these ambitious plans, the Vue cinema and the site formerly occupied by Debenhams department store will be demolished to make way for new residential towers. The centre, which opened in 1999, was fully acquired by Hammerson last month.
Despite the proposed changes, several major retailers, including Zara and Apple, are preparing to expand their current units early next year. The project has received a recommendation for approval ahead of the upcoming council meeting.
