New owners reveal that Reading Jail is set to become a hotel and art gallery. Possibly with robots and AI.

There was some relief and much scepticism when The Ziran Education Foundation acquired Reading Jail earlier this year, and now more details are emerging of their plans for the important town centre site.

Spokesman Eric Sun has revealed to the BBC that there are plans afoot to turn the site into a 360 room 'themed' boutique hotel with an art gallery, although how this helps achieve the goals of an education foundation seems not to have been addressed. (You can hear the full interview at the end of this article).

This seems to be the latest and firmest of a series of evolving plans from the company (it is not a charity, in the UK at least). At the time of purchase, a press release from Ziran claimed:

"Ziran Education Foundation stood out in this tough competition. We not only met the zero-debt condition but also surpassed other distinguished competitors to secure the project.

Ziran Education Foundation, a charitable non-profit organisation recognized for its innovative collaboration with colleges in developing primary and secondary school curricula and education services, proudly announces its successful bid to redevelop the historic Reading Prison. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our mission of enhancing educational experiences and community engagement.

The Reading Prison project, steeped in cultural and historical significance, presents a unique canvas for ZIRANED Education Foundation to weave its educational expertise into the fabric of the local community. Our vision extends beyond the restoration of this landmark; we aspire to create an educational centre that will serve as a beacon of learning and cultural enrichment."

We are deeply honoured to lead the transformation of Reading Prison into a vibrant educational hub," expressed [Channing Bi, Ziran Education Foundation]. "This project is a perfect embodiment of our core values – to educate, enlighten, and engage. Our planned educational centre will not only preserve the rich history of the site but also serve as a dynamic resource for the local community."

Key features of the redevelopment include:

● A museum detailing the fascinating history of Reading Prison.

● An exhibition space open to the public, fostering cultural exchange and community involvement.

● Innovative educational programs and services, reinforcing our commitment to learning and development.

This initiative represents more than a redevelopment; it's a commitment to the community and future generations. Proceeds from the sale of the former prison site will be reinvested in the wider prison estate, aiding in efforts to reduce reoffending and protect the public."

More recently, in March, The Reading Chronicle reported some equally vague objectives:

"Our aspiration is to create robots tailored to our unique requirements, complementing human efforts in select areas of the premises. Furthermore, we're envisioning the establishment of a distinctive art museum, museum, and an art-inspired hotel.

"Secondly, collaboration with the University of Reading holds immense significance for us.

"We're eager to delve into detailed discussions and mutually beneficial initiatives in conjunction with the esteemed institution.

"Thirdly, we hold immense respect for Reading Borough Council and plan to engage them in dialogue, seeking their guidance as we progress with our plans. Our foremost aim is to contribute positively to Reading's cultural landscape and bolster tourism efforts."

Little has changed on their website apart from the addition of a graphic with a slogan and a press release. Also added has been a logo for 'Zero Point Energy', but there is scant additional information about this either. But to be fair, from living in Reading we all know how long the process of planning and building takes and this particular site is subject, we hope, to much more scrutiny than others.

However, it seems that their plans are now taking shape with discussions apparently being held with architecture firms, and both the University and Reading Borough Council being consulted, according to their spokesperson.

Building a hotel and running an art gallery as part of a not for profit education foundation may seem strange, but many sports stadiums fund themselves by integrating hotels, so this may be just pragmatic.

The company also moved its registered address to the Reading Jail site at the end of May. The company currently has just two Directors, Jun Zhu and Cheng Bi, who is reported to be the philanthropist behind the foundation. He is a citizen of Vanuatu who has apparently resided in Ireland and the UK over the past decade. He is also a Director of Solcode Group Ltd, a dormant company also registered in Forbury Gardens now controlled by Ziran.

However, concerns about transparency remain. On 13th August Companies House was informed that the long established Flavour Seekers Food Company Limited of 16A Success Building, 245 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong had achieved "the right to exercise significant.... influence or control over the company", seemingly replacing Founders Base (Ireland) Ltd, who filed that they no longer have significant control the following day.

After all that has gone on at Reading FC, the people of Reading are probably right to maintain vigilance on this situation. 

In the meantime the prison, which has been used for the Artangel art exhibition and as a location for Killing Eve and other TV series and movies, is now under planning application as a temporary firearms training centre for Thames Valley Police.

 

 

Reading Jail: "it's not becoming flats", says new owner - BBC Sounds