Work starts on Calderstones heritage project

John Turner Construction has begun work on The International Centre for Shared Reading, which involves the restoration of the grade two-listed Mansion House at Calderstones Park, Liverpool.

Led by social enterprise The Reader, the project’s aim is to deliver an accessible community hub for shared reading and wellbeing activity.

A £1.99m Heritage Lottery Fund grant was secured in December 2015 for the £3.4m second phase of The Reader’s project, following the completion of a first phase which included adding amenities..

The mansion house was closed to the public last year to enable phase two, with works scheduled to include relocation of the café, work on the function suite, installation of ramp access with a new lift and staircase, and construction of six glazed enclosures for the Calder Stones to be displayed in below a steel frame backlit canopy.

Works will also include stripout and replacement of all M&E installations; repair and replacement of roof elements, doors, windows and finishings along with reconfiguration of the existing courtyards, footpaths and soft landscaping.

Liverpool City Council and private contributions have also contributed to funding the project, which is expected to reach completion in spring 2019.

Calderstones Mansion was built in 1828 for Joseph Need Walker and owned by the McIver family of Cunard shipping. Calderstones Park has been a public park since 1902. The Calder Stones, which date back to the Neolithic ae, will be relocated and showcased as part of the scheme.

Neil Hoey, contracts manager at John Turner Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Reader and we look forward to working together throughout the duration. With building work underway there will be an increase in traffic on site but wherever possible this will occur during quieter times in the park.

“The Reader hopes to keep disruption for park users to a minimum and welcome any questions or concerns from the local community. There are also opportunities for the local community to be a part of this project, The Reader are inviting anyone who is interested in supporting the project as a volunteer or donor to get in touch.”