BASING View’s most recent addition, The Village Hotel, is celebrating after opening for the second time this year.

The controversial project, which was initially opposed by Basingstoke Sports Centre, opened earlier in February to much excitement.

But just over a month later, the facility was forced to close because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The business class ‘black box’ hotel, which boasts everything from a gym and pool to a bar and grill open to the residents of the town, have expressed their delight at being able to get back to the ‘new normal’.

Taking part in the government’s Help Out to Eat Out scheme, which offers 50 per cent off up to the value of £10 per diner on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August, the facility’s bar and grill and Starbucks restaurants are open to hotel guests and residents of the town, whilst its gym and swimming pool reopened when they were able to on July 25.

In addition, the hotel’s VWorks hot desking space reopened earlier in July.

Speaking at the opening in February, Cllr John Izett, cabinet member for regeneration and property at the council, said: “It feels very good.

“It is a bit of a red letter day for Basingstoke and Basing View. It is very good looking building and it is good to see it humming with life and it will be good to see it continue.”

Meanwhile, Linda Cheung, of Enterprise M3, who contributed more than £1 million into the project, said: “I am really pleased to see this new addition. It’s great to be welcoming Village Hotels to the area.

“Today is part of the continued long-term investment into our three zones in partnership with the local authorities.”