Big changes could be coming to one of the Waitrose superstores in Reading that would see it being tailored more for online shopping.
Plans for changes have been submitted for the Waitrose in Caversham, which involve modifications to its car park, roof and shopfront in Church Street.
The shopfront next to The Barber Shop is currently white with Waitrose’s trademark green lettering.
A new plan shows the front being painted grey with an illuminated green Waitrose sign.
Other Waitrose signs on the building would either be added or replaced as well.
But signs on the building are not the only thing that could change, as the supermarket chain wants to reconfigure the car park to create space for a new E-commerce van parking and loading area.
It’s understood the E-commerce vans will be used to conduct grocery deliveries, therefore making the site more suited for fulfilling online orders.
Waitrose planning agents Farrell & Clark Architects explained: “With the change in public shopping habits and a move to more shopping online it is planned to have increased E-commerce operations from this store.
“The van parking area will allow vans to park when loading and directly connect to a dedicated E-commerce section of the warehouse.”
READ MORE: Changes coming to old Caversham butchers in latest plans submitted
Although the change would result in the loss of three parking spaces, the agent added that the car park layout will be reconfigured to regain these spaces.
A number of signs in the car park and on the supermarket itself will be added, replaced or removed.
Of those, 45 low level signs will be added or replaced, and 31 would be removed.
Additionally, Waitrose wants to add new dry air coolers and condensers that would be used for air conditioning, refrigeration and to cool the ground floor sales area.
These additions would be made within the supermarket’s existing roof plant areas.
Luckily, the store would remain open while work takes place.
Wade Lavery, branch manager at Waitrose Caversham, said: “This planning application outlines our plans to invest in our branch for the future, so we can offer an even better experience for our customers. We plan to stay open during the refurbishment and will keep disruption to an absolute minimum.”
However, in order for any of the changes to be made, the plans have to be approved by Reading Borough Council.
Proposed changes have been split into two applications:
- 221289 – for advertising consent for the shopfront and advertising changes in the car park
- 221300 – For new doors and the creation of a e-commerce van loading area
You can find both applications by typing the reference numbers into the council’s planning portal.
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