Churchill Living

Caversham

Churchill Living is bringing forward proposals for a new retirement living development at the vacant former Hemdean House School site on Hemdean Road, Caversham.

Welcome

Churchill Living is bringing forward proposals for a new retirement living development at the vacant former Hemdean House School site on Hemdean Road, Caversham.

The former Hemdean House School, an independent fee-paying school, closed in July 2024 following a period of declining enrolment which made continued operation of the school no longer sustainable.

The principle of redeveloping this now-vacant brownfield site is considered acceptable in planning terms and presents an opportunity to deliver new one and two bedroom retirement apartments and cottages in a sustainable location while respecting the area’s established residential character.

Churchill’s emerging vision for the site includes:

  • A high-quality independent retirement living community providing 34x one and 17x two bedroom apartments, with separate vehicular access from Hemdean Road.

  • Sensitive conversion of the schoolhouse to 10x one-bedroom apartments with parking. 

  • Sensitive conversion of lodge into a 2-bed cottage with parking. 

  • Retention of mature trees and the introduction of new landscaping to enhance the site’s character and environmental quality.

  • Retention and active management of the densely wooded northern portion of the site, near Knighton Close and Queen Street.

As well as regenerating a vacant brownfield site in a sustainable location, the proposals will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits and contribute positively to the appearance of Hemdean Road.

This website provides a wide range of information regarding the site and our plans, as well as details about Churchill Living’s retirement communities. You can review this information using the tabs on this website.

Your Views

We would value your feedback on our proposed development so please provide your views via our feedback page. 

Your comments will be used to help evolve the proposals prior to a planning application being submitted to Reading Borough Council.  

You can see more information on this website and by downloading our consultation boards. 

View our proposals

Benefits

Regenerating the area

The proposals would provide specialist homes on a vacant brownfield site in a highly sustainable location.

Supporting local businesses

The site is close to shops and essential services in Caversham reducing the need to travel and delivering a significant uplift in expenditure at local shops.

Meeting the needs of older people

Moving to a Churchill community allows residents to maintain independence and enjoy an active, low-maintenance lifestyle in a supportive, age-friendly environment.

Reducing demand on the health services

Retirement communities reduce the risk of health challenges by helping to reduce loneliness as well as improving safety and security.

Freeing up homes

Providing homes at the top of the housing ladder helps release properties back onto the market for local families and, in turn, homes for first-time buyers.

Sheila Burch

Manns Lodge (Cranleigh)

The location of my new apartment couldn’t be better, we’re right next to the High Street and everything we need is on our doorstep. I lived a bit further out before, and whilst I can still drive at the moment it’s nice to know that I won’t have to rely on the car in future.

Michael Pope

Invicta Lodge (Westwood Cross)

I previously lived in a three-bed semi-detached house just 500 yards away from Invicta Lodge. Moving here is the best thing I ever did, my apartment is just right and it’s nice to have a bit of company around me as well as safety and security.