Vacant site in Berkshire marketed to raise funds for reinvestment in the NHS

An empty parcel of land in Reading is being marketed to raise vital funds for the NHS and potentially allow much-needed local homes to be built.

The site, part of the former Battle Hospital, is empty and has been declared surplus to the needs of the NHS by North and West Reading Clinical Commissioning Group in 2015.

As owner, NHS Property Services has a responsibility to secure maximum value for the surplus sites on behalf of the NHS, and has instructed Lambert Smith Hampton to advertise the property for sale on the open market.

Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in the NHS nationally.

David Thurgar, Senior Transaction Manager at NHS Property Services, said: “Our overall remit is to generate funds from the sale of surplus land to reinvest in the NHS and free up space for much needed homes.

“By selling land that the NHS no longer needs, we can also help increase efficiency and reduce the operational costs of the estate we oversee.”

The property was made available to other public bodies but no approaches were received.

An aerial view showing the site, edged in red, in the foreground

The 0.13-hectare site is accessed from Curzon Street and suitable for residential development, subject to planning approval. It is near Tesco Extra and Costa Coffee and is well served by local public transport networks.

Philip Hunter, Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “This site is in a highly sustainable location, just a few minutes’ walk from bus stops and Reading West Station.  It is also surrounded by facilities such as the supermarket, restaurants, coffee shops and a library.”

Interested parties have been invited to submit offers for the freehold acquisition of the property.