Plans to demolish a 25-storey skyscraper in Reading have been scrapped despite “enormous public support” for a new tower to be put in its place, reports bbc.co.uk.

Built in 1974, the now derelict Thames Tower was set to be taken down and replaced with a “landmark development”. Investment management firm LaSalle, the building’s owner, has performed a u-turn on its previous vision and announced that going ahead with the demolition would prove “too risky”.

U-turn due to the current revamp of neighbouring Reading Station

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Its decision may have been influenced by the possibility of debris falling onto the nearby Reading Station, which is currently in the process of receiving an £895 million revamp.

Application of new cladding panels

Instead, LaSalle says it will apply new cladding panels to the building and look at ways of improving its structure. The company will also work with owners of the neighbouring Station Hill area to speed up its planning application.

Reading councillor Tony Page said he had been left “deeply disappointed” by the fact that Reading won’t be welcoming a new building, but said promises had been made in regards to the improvements at Station Hill. He went on to tell getreading.co.uk:

“The council will continue to work pro-actively with the owners of Thames Tower to bring about a scheme worthy of the town centre gateway.”

Author: Richard Towey    Date Written: 7 August 2013