Debate over future of Reading Prison buildings The closure of HMP Reading has sparked a debate about what should happen to the historically significant building. The last few inmates to be held at the prison were moved out a month earlier than planned. It has been shut as part of a government programme to replace old and inefficient prisons. The prison was made famous by Oscar Wilde who was imprisoned there, and there are hopes that commercial redevelopment will subsidise buildings on the site for community use.