The status of a hotel along a major road on the outskirts of Reading has been clarified ahead of its eventual demolition.
The former Comfort Hotel on the A4 Bath Road near Reading is set for demolition, clarifying its current use amid speculation about housing asylum seekers.
Acquired by Flexistay in 2018, the hotel is now providing temporary accommodation for the homeless. It previously housed asylum seekers, but this ceased in December 2023, with West Berkshire Council confirming that the hotel is no longer under contract for this purpose.
Reading West Development Ltd plans to replace the hotel with 32 new homes, including a two-storey block with eight two-bed and two one-bed apartments, and a three-storey block with 16 two-bed and six one-bed flats.
The first phase of construction began after the project was approved in September 2022, but financial pressures have delayed the hotel’s demolition. Currently, there are no Home Office asylum hotels in West Berkshire, with all previous sites closing by the end of 2023. As of June 30, 207 asylum seekers are residing in hotels in Reading, down from 257 in March.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
