Chinese billionaire reveals he'll transform historic Grade II -listed Reading ... trends now
An educational charity owned by a Chinese billionaire has announced plans to transform a historic Reading jail into a museum and hotel which will include robots and AI technology.
Reading Gaol prison has been vacant for more than a decade and is well known for housing poet and playwright Oscar Wilde in the 1890s and inspiring artwork from world-renowned artist Banksy.
It was sold to educational charity the Ziran Education Foundation in January for a fee thought to be £7 million following a failed campaign to turn the historic Grade II listed building into an arts and community centre.
Ziran, a foundation listing a UK contact address in Poplar, London, claims to be 'a non-profit organisation founded by billionaire Chinese businessman Channing Bi and his partners with same values'.
Ziran today issued a statement detailing their plans to turn the prison into a museum and 'art-inspired' hotel, which will include 'the integration of AI technology' and the creation of 'robots'.
A general view inside the Reading prison which is set to be turned into a museum and hotel which will include robots and AI technology
In 2021 Banksy stencilled in an image of an inmate escaping using a typewriter to the prison's boundary wall, reflecting poet and playwright Oscar Wilde's incarceration in the prison from 1895 to 1897
Channing Bi (right) is a billionaire Chinese businessman who founded the Ziran Education Foundation
A spokesperson for the foundation said they were 'thrilled' to share their 'vision' for the site, which will be based on three priorities.
They added: 'First, in partnership with a distinguished design firm, we're exploring innovative solutions, including the integration of AI technology.
'Our aspiration is to create robots tailored to our unique requirements, complementing human efforts in select areas of the premises. 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.'
Reading Gaol has been vacant for more than a decade with the last inmates being moved from the prison in November 2013.
The bill for leaving the prison closed during this period is said to have has cost the taxpayer between £2.5 and £3 million in maintenance and upkeep.
The front gates of the Reading Gaol prison in Reading. The site is expected to be turned into a museum and 'art-inspired' hotel
An image of Banksy's artwork which appeared in Reading, Berkshire, in 2021
The street artist claimed responsibility for the painting on the side of the former prison, which housed Oscar Wilde
But just weeks later the artwork was defaced with red graffiti, reading Team Robbo
Concerns about the Ziran foundation have been raised by members of the public as its activities in the UK appear to be limited.
