Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The sale of Reading Prison is proceeding with local constituents concerned about its future.
What progress has been made on the sale of Reading Gaol? It is a hugely important historic building, and nearly 13,000 people have signed a petition asking for it to be turned into an arts hub. The Government's preferred bidder discussion took a long time with no visible progress.
The sale is progressing. Any proposed development would be subject to approval from Reading Borough Council's planning department. The usual due diligence requirements will apply. The hon. Member for Reading Central (Matt Rodda) and the right hon. Member for Reading West have been assiduous in their attention to this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific commitment or reconsideration of the approach regarding turning Reading Gaol into an arts hub.
We Quite Often Throw Around The Term “Doughty Campaigner” In This Chamber, But I Can Certainly Say That The Hon. Gentleman And My Right Hon. Friend Have Been Incredibly Assiduous In Their Attention To This Matter On Behalf Of Their Constituents.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The sale of Reading Prison is proceeding with local constituents concerned about its future.
I thank the Minister for his answer, and for meeting me and the right hon. Member for Reading West recently to discuss this matter. Nearly 13,000 people have signed a petition asking for it to be turned into an arts hub. The discussion with the preferred bidder took a long time with no visible progress or slow progress being made. Will the Minister now reconsider the Government's approach and work with me, Reading Borough Council and the local arts community to save this wonderful building?
The sale is progressing. Of course, any proposed development would be subject to approval from Reading Borough Council's planning department, and the usual due diligence requirements will apply.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific commitment or reconsideration of the approach regarding turning Reading Gaol into an arts hub.
We Quite Often Throw Around The Term “Doughty Campaigner” In This Chamber, But I Can Certainly Say That The Hon. Member For Reading Central And My Right Hon. Friend Have Been Incredibly Assiduous In Their Attention To This Matter.
Response accuracy