Caversham Court Gardens conservation works

On this page:
Current status
Visiting the gardens
What work is being done
About the gardens
Project partnerships

Reading Borough Council is repairing historic buildings and structures at Caversham Court Gardens.

The work will help keep the gardens safe, protect their history and improve access.

The work follows surveys of the site and the partial collapse of the eastern boundary wall in July 2024.

Current status

  • planning permission and Listed Building Consent were approved in July 2026
  • we are choosing the companies that will carry out the work
  • main works are expected to start in early 2027
  • the first phase of work is expected to finish in summer or autumn 2027
  • work on the western boundary wall is expected to finish in summer 2028

These dates are estimates and may change as the project progresses.

For the latest updates, follow Reading Council on Facebook or visit the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens website.

Visiting the gardens

Most of the gardens will stay open while the work takes place.

Some areas may close for a short time to keep people safe.

We will reopen areas when it is safe to do so.

What work is being done?

We are working on several historic buildings and structures that have been damaged by age, weather and accidents. Some areas are restricted or closed while works take place to protect public safety.

The repair works will:

  • protect historic buildings and structures
  • make the gardens safer
  • reopen areas where it is safe to do so
  • improve access
  • support community use and events
  • reduce long-term maintenance costs
  • support future care of the gardens

Use the menu below to find out more about each area of work.

Stable block courtyard wall

A section of the Grade II listed stable block courtyard wall was damaged by a vehicle.

The work has been completed and included:

  • rebuilding the damaged section
  • rebuilding the gate piers
  • reusing the original materials where possible
  • repairing the wall with traditional lime mortar
  • repairing entrance piers

    • Work was completed in September 2026.

    Eastern boundary wall

    Part of the eastern boundary wall collapsed in July 2024.

    The work will include:

  • rebuilding unsafe parts of the wall
  • repairing the brick, stone and flint
  • protecting tree roots
  • removing temporary fencing and supports when it is safe to do so

    • The work is expected to finish in autumn 2027.

    Riverside gazebo

    The Grade II listed gazebo is currently closed to the public.

    The work will include:

  • repairing the wooden structure
  • repairing the brick and flint
  • repairing windows and doors
  • repairing the floors and walls inside
  • treating and repainting the wood

    • The gazebo is expected to reopen when the work is finished.

    Work is expected to finish in summer 2027.

    Causeway

    The Grade II listed causeway is a raised walkway through the gardens.

    Part of the route has restricted access because of concerns about a retaining wall.

    The work will include:

  • making the retaining wall safe
  • repairing damaged brick and stone
  • adding temporary support where needed
  • checking the wall regularly

    • Work is expected to finish in summer 2027.

    Main entrance gates

    The historic entrance gates were badly damaged by a vehicle.

    The work will include:

  • making new oak gates based on the original gates
  • repairing the old metalwork and hinges
  • repairing the stone and brick around the gates
  • replacing other damaged parts of the entrance

    • Work is expected to finish in spring or summer 2027.

    Western boundary wall

    The western boundary wall within St Peter’s conservation area has structural problems. Some areas around the wall are closed to visitors.

    The next stage includes:

  • checking the condition of the wall
  • deciding how it should be repaired
  • checking roads and adding parking to improve access around the wall
  • replanting trees lost to ash dieback disease
  • getting the approvals needed for the work
  • choosing a company to carry out the work

    • Work is expected to take place from summer 2027 to summer 2028.

    About the gardens

    Caversham Court Gardens is a Grade II registered park and garden. It is one of Reading’s most treasured heritage sites, on the banks of the River Thames and on the site of the former rectory of St Peter’s Church.

    The gardens were first laid out between 1660 and 1681. Caversham Court house was demolished in 1933 and the gardens opened to the public in 1934.

    The gardens include:

    • the riverside gazebo (Grade II listed)
    • the causeway and retaining walls (Grade II listed)
    • the eastern boundary wall (Grade II listed)
    • the stable building (Grade II listed)
    • the stable block courtyard wall (Grade II listed)
    • the main entrance gates
    • the western boundary wall
    • historic terraces and retaining walls
    • mature trees and historic planting

    Project partnerships

    The conservation and sustainability programme is being delivered through close collaboration between:

    • Reading Borough Council: The project is being delivered through collaboration across a range of Reading Borough Council teams with specialist knowledge and expertise.
    • Friends of Caversham Court Gardens: The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens support the gardens through volunteering, fundraising, guided tours, community engagement and public advocacy.
    • Historic England: Providing specialist advice and guidance on the conservation of nationally important heritage sites.
    • Community and partner organisations: Bringing together local residents, community and civic groups, local organisations, councillors and environmental groups to support the project and the future of the gardens.

    Together, these partners are helping to protect and enhance one of Reading’s most important historic landscapes.

    For the latest updates, follow Reading Council on Facebook or visit the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens website.

    Last updated on 02/10/2026