The council has confirmed the controversial sale of the Central Club, subject to planning permission being granted.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) chose to sell the former Central Club site to Redline in July 2018.

Councillor Jason Brock, leader of RBC, confirmed the former community centre had now been sold after being asked for an update by a Green Party councillor at last night’s Policy committee.

Plannning permission must be granted by November 2, 2020 for the sale to be be finalised.

However, this date can be extended till April 22, 2021 if the planning position is still “live” next November.

Developer Redline will build a seven-storey structure with affordable housing.

Reading Between the Lines, a theatre company, will use the ground floor for storage and rehearsal space.

The black history mural will be preserved.

The club was the “spiritual home” of the black community in Reading.

Community group Aspire failed in its bid to take over the property as Reading councillors agreed a 999-year lease with Redline.

Members of Aspire reacted angrily when they realised their bid had been unsuccessful, shouting “shame on you”.

RBC previously offered more than £200,000 to help fund a community bid, but had to pull council resources after a failed fundraising campaign.