The Wokingham Society

19-21 Market Place

In 2022 plans were displayed to re-develop 19-21 Market Place, by retaining the façade of the Market House occupied by Edinburgh Wool Mill but replacing the frontage of Lloyds Bank and Robert Dyas, together with building 60 apartments in four-story blocks behind these new retail units. Members of the Executive Committee of the Wokingham Society were invited to a presentation of the proposals and have subsequently viewed the online plans at https://www.architectureinitiative.com/19-21-market-place.

The Committee’s submission to the developers can be seen here and is similar to its response to the planning application itself. The application was considered by the Planning Committee on Wednesday 14 February 2024. The Officer recommendation was for approval. At the meeting some Committee members expressed concern at the lack of affordable housing, the height of No 21 in relation to No 2 Market Place, the Community Gardens and Sale Garden Cottages, and the impact on Howard Road in respect of additional traffic and parking. These issues notwithstanding, the application was approved. In her presentation, the Planning Consultant for the applicants stressed that they were in consultation with Lloyds Bank, Robert Dyas and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill to find alternative premises for them. It is understood that Robert Dyas does not intend to leave the town, but Lloyds decided to close on 8 July 2023, following a review of a long list of branches considered for closure. It has since been used to house Little Leapers and Sweettastic, a children’s play area and associated café.