DEVELOPERS are “very confident” a 124-bedroom hotel in the heart of Windsor will be sustainable in a post-Covid world.

During a virtual exhibition on December 8 (Tuesday), Canada Life revealed plans to redevelop the Boots store on 17/18 Peascod Street.

The major development will be behind Boots – which will be replaced with a slightly smaller store – on Mellor Walk by Bachelors Acre where the main frontage of the hotel will be based.

A restaurant, bar, and back of house facilities have also been proposed.

The developers said the Boots store is “substantially over-sized” in the changing retail market where a hotel would boost Windsor’s tourism, as well as businesses on Peascod Street and the wider centre.

READ MORE: Major redevelopment plan behind the Boots site in Windsor

With Covid-19 battering the hospitality sector, Duncan Mathieson, the scheme’s development consultant, said they are “very confident” the hotel will be sustainable in a post-Covid world.

He said: “I think Windsor is such a tourist destination with the airport, LEGOLAND, the castle, etc. and there’s always been regular demand for hotel space in Windsor.

“Even in these difficult times, I can assure everyone there are several people who wish to try and convince us they are the right operator for this development and so we are very confident that this will be sustainable, and all tenets are looking at longer leases due to the demand they have seen.”

Addressing concerns by residents that there’s no car parking on site, Mr Mathieson said the development is considered to be acceptable to be car-free as it is located in Windsor town centre, and they “anticipate a large portion of visitors” to come to the hotel via train and bus, eliminating the need for parking.

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However, there will be one disabled bay by the front of the hotel and secured cycle parking.

Mr Mathieson said they “fully expect” a decision on the hotel’s operator early next year.

The plans will be submitted this winter and planning permission could be granted next Spring.

If approved, construction could start in the summer with a possible opening date in late 2022/early 2023.

Residents have a chance to see the virtual exhibition of the plans and express their views until December 20 at www.peascodstreet.co.uk.