In a first for Slough Borough Council, a new double-decker hotel has opened in the town, owned and developed by the local authority.
A first for the council, two hotels form part of a wider residential, retail and leisure hub built on the former Slough Library site at the junction of Bath and Windsor Roads.
The development was delivered via Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), a property partnership between the council and commercial partner.
Each of the hotels have opened within the parameters of Coronavirus guidelines and are taking bookings for guests exempted by the government during lockdown.
These include people who need it for work purposes, providing charitable or voluntary services and undertaking education or training.
One of the hotels has 152 rooms and incorporates Thunderbirds graphics in its décor in honour of the vintage puppet series filmed in Slough. The other has 92 suites and are designed with longer-staying guests in mind and boast views of the London skyline.
Each hotel offers its own restaurant and bar and Slough residents can also take advantage of their meeting and event rooms.
There is an emphasis of creating local employment within the hotels and a total of 25 people have been hired to operate the hotel.
Next door to the hotels is a collection of new 64 studio, one and two bedroom apartments which have recently launched for sale.
Commenting, Slough Borough Council leader and cabinet member for regeneration and strategy, Councillor James Swindlehurst said: “The council chose to involve itself with this development knowing it would be a long term asset to the town in terms of creating employment for our residents, adding much needed hotel capacity, and delivering a secure revenue stream back to the council from its lease that will help sustain local services in the future.
“The development also includes much needed new housing.”
Slough Urban Renewal General Manager, Andy Howell added: “The hotels are a fantastic asset and our projects continue to be a catalyst for change in the town.
“As well as the essential accommodation they will provide for both business and leisure users, the additional bar and lounge facilities will give a new sense of life to this area of the high street.
“Our new collection of homes we have created are an exciting and enticing new hub for the benefit of the wider town.”
