LONG-AWAITED improvements to a town centre “eyesore” have been approved, as the local authority seeks to modernise the appearance of Station Hill.

Developers’ designs for a facelift of Thames Tower — the former home of Foster Wheeler — have been granted by planning leaders, promising a radical revamp to the vacant building opposite the train station.

The plans include a “Reading Red” terracotta cladding, which architects believe will tie in with the renovations to the historic buildings that line surrounding streets.

The committee insisted high standards were expected as they commended the belated improvements in the wake of the £895m redevelopments to the adjacent Reading Station.

Cllr Tony Page said: “This is one of the most prominent and important sites in Reading. They will have no difficulty in filling it so we have a right to expect this to be of a high quality. It’s absolutely essential that the upgrade matches with the developments on Station Hill.”

Originally built in 1974, the tower block — occupied by Foster Wheeler until 1999 — will also be extended by four storeys, making it a 24-floor building.

Included in the design is a high-ceiling colonnade which will remain lit at night-time, providing a brighter and safer walkway for pedestrians.

Cllr Isobel Ballsdon said: “At the moment, going near that building at night doesn’t feel particularly nice. It’s dark and horrible right now, so getting the lighting right on the colonnade is very important.”

A site visit to allow councillors and officers to see examples of the cladding in situ has been requested. Among the conditions agreed at the meeting were firm assurances from developers as to how disruption could be minimised during construction.

Inspired by the Guaranty Building in Buffalo, New York State, the design is a nod to one of the world’s first skyscrapers.