Reading Prison is now back on the market until August, after a council bid to buy the old jail was rejected.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) rejected that the town’s bid to transform Reading Gaol into a beacon of arts, heritage and culture last month but the council’s bid is still on the table.

After developer Artisan Real Estate pulled out of plans to buy the prison last year, Reading Borough Council (RBC) was given a period of exclusivity to develop a bid for the site.

The council’s Reading Gaol bid sought to put the historic Reading Gaol as the centrepiece of a unique mixed use development including:

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  • A heritage centre celebrating its history and archaeology
  • Space for theatre, dance, music, cinema and outdoor exhibitions
  • High quality and flexible public spaces
  • A creative innovation hub hosting affordable workspaces, events, workshops and exhibitions
  • A rooftop café.

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: The council's plans for the old prisonPICTURED: The council's plans for the old prison

It would also have included a new residential quarter with energy efficient homes, including some affordable homes.

But the MoJ turned down the offer last month and has now put the prison on the market again.

Councillor Tony Page, deputy leader at RBC, said: “We have had written confirmation from the MoJ that our bid remains on the table and will be considered.

“Whilst they have rejected it, they are covering their backs by leaving it on the table.

“The real fear I have is there will be a repeat of the ridiculous overbidding relating to excessive development for the site, like the Artisan development.

“There was barely any view left of the prison.

“The purpose of the council publishing its bid was to give that a very clear street of what is appropriate.

“Any inflated prices that are bid for the prison will be based on completely unrealistic proposals.”

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He warned prospective bidders to “be careful” and look at the bid the council submitted and the winder policy aspirations for the site in RBC’s Local Plan.

The deputy leader said the MoJ is acting with the “height of irresponsibility” in allowing the “continued deterioration” of the old prison whilst rejecting the council’s “very generous offer”.

He added: “I still have confidence that the right decision will eventually be taken.”

An MoJ spokesman said: “Any sale will seek the best value for taxpayers and be reinvested into the justice system, while ensuring planning requirements for the historic site are met.”

Reading East MP Matt Rodda said he is now arranging a meeting with Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and hoping to bring along RABBLE Theatre and Kate Winslet.

He wants the MoJ to consider accepting the council’s bid topped up with donations from the public.