PLANS to convert an historic corner of Reading town centre by creating a new aparthotel and neighbouring hotel have been approved by Reading Borough Council.
There are two elements to the plans, from Thackery Estates and its partners, The National Pub Portfolio.
The first, known as QVS1+, covers the area from the corner of Friar Street and Queen Victoria Street, and affects the rear exit of WH Smith, Reading Food & Wine, Timpson, Amy’s Nails and Black Sheep Coffee.
It has been given the green light after a section 106 levy was agreed. This is how much a developer will pay to the local authority, which is then invested in vital infrastructure.
The plan involves renovation and works to create 104 rooms on upper floors, and new shopfronts and a courtyard at ground level.
Approval of the S106 was granted on May 24, and the applications, numbers 221232 and 221233, can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
The National Pub Portfolio has won approval for the demolition of buildings further down Friar Street and replacing them with a 163-bed hotel. The affected area includes The Bugle pub, Revolución de Cuba and the Eyesite Opticians.
The Bugle will become the entry point for the hotel, while the buildings next to it will be demolished.
The project is known as QVS2, and the hotel will be run by Leonardo Hotels, the new name for Jurys Inn.
This application, number 221235, can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
