Project Update: Spring 2019

Despite Storms Gareth and Freya doing their best to rip off new roof tiles, The Mansion House is standing strong, and these last months have seen massive progress:

• the Calder Stones have returned, taking pride of place in the Garden
• the community theatre roof work is finished
• flagstones are being laid for the outdoor Café seating area
• the new Park toilets in the basement are coming along well.

We’ve also had to deal with an unexpected car park closure and a burst water main, which closed the whole site, so thank you for your patience!

The return of the Calder Stones has been a highlight. Following the much-needed conservation work carried out by Orbis Conservation, the Stones are safe and sound in their new enclosure. Before their unveiling, they’ll be treated to one final clean.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended our recent volunteer information events, the energy and passion for the project was incredible. We must also say thanks to all of our hard hat tour visitors and everyone who shared their thoughts at our four community co-creation workshops. Your input has helped shape the exciting new programme that we’ll be launching when we open the doors this Summer. Full details of what you can expect will be available very soon, so watch this space.

Project Vision

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. This Summer, following a £5M refurbishment, we will open the doors of The Reader Mansion House, a place where anyone can come to experience literature, find and share meaning, be nourished, develop new skills, explore creativity and, above all, feel valued as part of ‘something real’.

Joining the Storybarn and Ice Cream Parlour, The Reader Mansion House will include new reading rooms, heritage activities, space for workshops, exhibitions and community groups, a shop and Café. The refurbished Garden Theatre will be a licensed space where we can all enjoy engaging community events. It will also be available to hire for your own celebrations.