We understand that Heads of Terms have been agreed between the Basingstoke Borough Council and Village Inn Hotels for a new business class hotel on a vacant site on Basing View.

The site in question is positioned in the north western sector of the central business district, on undeveloped land between the AA building and the Renaissance office scheme. Village Inn are believed to be planning a 150 bedroom hotel, together with leisure club, swimming pool, restaurant and conference facilities.

The Council have gone on record as saying that the scheme will “meet the aspirations to develop Basing View as a business location of regional importance, delivering new jobs and a thriving business park”.

There is however (and unfortunately), a negative side to this story, as it is being reported that no other hotels may be built on Basing View for a 5 year period. This exclusivity agreement is something of a kick in the shin for the likes of Premier Inn, who had earmarked one of their budget hotels for ‘The Glasshouse’ site closer to the Waitrose store. A real shame that these plans appear to have been scuppered.