The Reader Organisation has appointed Cass Associates to help transform the Grade II listed Calderstones Mansion in Liverpool into an International Centre for Reading and Wellbeing.

Cass has previously worked alongside The Reader Organisation to draw up concept and feasibility plans for the historic Mansion House, Stable Yard and Coach House at Calderstones Park in order to win ‘preferred bidder’ status with the owners,  Liverpool City Council.

Following open days and public consultations The Reader Organisation has now commissioned Cass Associates to provide architecture, planning and landscape architecture services to design detailed proposals to secure further funding to develop the scheme.

Jane Davis, MBE, founder and director of The Reader Organisation said:

“Our vision is to bring The Mansion House, Coach House & Stable Yard back to life as The International Centre for Reading and Wellbeing. This will be a place for everyone; we want people from the local area, the wider city of Liverpool, the rest of the UK and beyond to read, learn, play, make new friends and find new opportunities at Calderstones.  We are delighted to be working with Cass Associates as we begin to bring this landmark building back to life.”

Cass Associates Partner Richard Roberts commented: ”We are very pleased to be appointed to progress this exciting project to the next stage. The Reader Organisation is a great community-based charity and this scheme will provide a new  chapter in the future of this magnificent building and its grounds. ”

The Reader Organisation secured Preferred Bidder status on the Mansion in January this year. The organisation currently has a licence agreement with Liverpool City Council to use the buildings for meetings, activities and events.

Development will be phased with The International Centre for Reading and Wellbeing expected to be fully operational by 2016.

For further information about The Reader Organisation, please visit: www.thereader.org.uk

(Photos kindly supplied by Dave Jones Photography)