A pizzeria could take over from a closed betting shop in Tilehurst this year.

The Coral betting shop at 20 Norcot Road, Tilehurst has been closed since at least 2020.

Now, it looks like the shop could be converted into a pizzeria, as a business has submitted a licensing application for activities at the closed bookmakers.

It is likely the company will be bringing the heat as well, as the application has been lodged by ‘Vesuvio Pizzeria Ltd’.

Vesuvio translates to Vesuvius in English, the volcano that infamously erupted destroying the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and other settlements in 79 AD.

They have applied to sell food and soft drinks indoors and outdoors until 2am every night of the week, and want to sell alcohol from 11am to 11.30pm every day as well.

READ MORE: The restaurants, venues and cafés that are set to come to Reading in 2023

Anyone who wishes to comment on the application can do so by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk .

The closing date for representations is Wednesday, February 1.

Although a licensing application has been submitted, no planning application to change the use of the building from a bookkeepers into a restaurant takeaway has been made yet.

Reading Chronicle: The old Coral betting shop at 20 Norcot Road, Reading. Credit: Google MapsThe old Coral betting shop at 20 Norcot Road, Reading. Credit: Google Maps

In August 2020, a plan was approved to convert the betting shop into offices, under reference 200766.

However, it appears that the conversion did not occur.

A separate plan was submitted to convert the ground floor of 20 Norcot Road into a two bedroom flat, under reference 210433, but no decision on it is visible on the council’s planning portal.

Reading Chronicle: Elevations for an apparently abortive plan to convert 20 Norcot Road Reading from a betting shop into a two bedroom home. Credit: The Keen PartnershipElevations for an apparently abortive plan to convert 20 Norcot Road Reading from a betting shop into a two bedroom home. Credit: The Keen Partnership

There is also no apparent website for Vesuvio Pizzeria Ltd to make contact with it.