Project Update: October 2018

As the £5 million refurbishment of Calderstones Mansion House enters its eighth month, we bring you all the latest from beneath the white tent.

Seven months into the project, the refurbishment work in Calderstones Mansion House continues at pace.

Due to some unforeseen structural issues, we’ll need to do more work to the roof and the theatre at the back of the garden than originally planned. As you can imagine, this isn’t unusual for a building of this age.

The team is finalising electrical plans, interior decisions and layout options as we head into the next phase. It’s an exciting time in the build as we push on with the programme before winter sets in.

Hopefully, you had a chance to join us in September as the Calder Stones were carefully removed for much- needed conservation work. They’ll return to the park when the building work on the Mansion House is complete.

Project Vision

In Spring 2019 we will open the doors of our new International Centre for Shared Reading following a £5m refurbishment.

Having signed a 125-year lease for the site, Calderstones is central to The Reader’s mission to bring people together and books to life.

Joining the already-established Storybarn and Ice Cream Parlour, The International Centre for Shared Reading will include new reading rooms, heritage activities, space for a variety of workshops, exhibitions and community groups, a shop and café.

The refurbished Garden Theatre will be a licensed space where we can all enjoy a programme of exciting community events, including theatre performances. It will also be available for hire for catered events.

The latest photos from the refurbishment:

Can you help?

The refurbishment of Calderstones is a massive project and we need a lot of help! Do you have skills you can share? There’s lots of ways to get involved:

• Volunteer your time
• Make a donation
• Become a Reader Friend