New owner reveals plans for historic Reading Prison transformation

The recent acquirer of a historic correctional facility, which famously housed Irish author Oscar Wilde, has articulated his intentions for redeveloping the site. Channing Bi stated his aspiration to convert Reading Prison into a combined hotel, museum, and art gallery. The Chinese entrepreneur, who purchased the property from the Ministry of Justice for £7 million in January, projects that the undertaking might incur expenses of approximately £100 million. While certain sections of the prison hold Grade II listed status, Mr. Bi indicated that the renovation could be finalized within merely two years, provided Reading Borough Council approves the necessary planning permission. Mr. Bi, the founder of the Ziran Education Foundation, mentioned possessing additional business ventures that will contribute “to support this project” financially. He affirmed that the initiative would not necessitate a loan and that expenses would not be covered by constructing residential units anywhere on the premises. Constructed in 1844, the correctional facility has remained unoccupied for over a decade. Discussing his motivation for acquiring the prison, Mr. Bi stated: “The prison’s history makes me think that freedom is very important.” Oscar Wilde served a two-year sentence at the institution following his 1895 conviction for gross indecency, which was effectively for being gay. He subsequently spent the final three years of his life in exile in France, during which he authored his concluding work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol, detailing an execution that occurred at the prison. In 2021, a depiction by the renowned street artist Banksy emerged on one of the prison walls. The artwork portrayed an inmate making an escape using a rope fashioned from bedsheets and attached to a typewriter. Mr. Bi confirmed that the Banksy artwork would “of course” be preserved. He commented: “I know the painting is very important, and the meaning for me is very very useful, and gave me some ideas. “People need freedom and I think it will stay a long, long time in Reading.”” Readers can connect with BBC Berkshire via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.