Programme of improvement works approved for Caversham Court Gardens

A programme of repairs and conservation work to help preserve the Grade II listed Caversham Court Gardens has been approved.

The work will include the replacement of the main double gates to the gardens and improvements to the gazebo and linking causeway, the stable block courtyard boundary wall and part of the existing garden forecourt wall.

The programme of works was granted permission by members of the Council’s Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday 22 July. The proposed works will also include the conservation and repair of the listed eastern boundary wall. This element of the scheme formed part of a previous planning application and listed building consent granted last year.

Caversham Court Gardens, on the north bank of the River Thames in Reading, has a rich history spanning over 800 years and the planned works affect several listed structures.

Following the partial collapse of part of the eastern boundary wall in July 2024, temporary safety measures, including structural propping and protective fencing, were put in place to secure the area.

Once repairs are completed, the project will not only safeguard the historic wall, but will allow the footpath to the lower lawn to reopen, improving access and enhancing visitors’ enjoyment of the garden,

The 17^th century gazebo, which was built to provide views overlooking the river, will undergo structural repairs to the timber frame of the upper floor and treatment and repainting of the timber frame, door and windows.

The raised causeway leading to the gazebo will undergo structural repairs and the stables and courtyard wall will be reconstructed.

Repairs will be carried out on the east boundary screen wall and new replacement oak gates will be installed at the main entrance on Church Road after the previous ones were damaged in a car accident in October 2025.

All repair work will be carried out carefully using traditional hand tools and any replacement materials will have to exactly match with the existing structures.

Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:

“Caversham Court Gardens is a much-loved riverside space which attracts many visitors for its beauty and history.

“These repairs and conservation works are essential to ensure the buildings and structures are kept in good condition. The installation of new oak double gates at the main entrance will also be very welcome.

“Maintaining the buildings in a good state of repair will mean that residents and visitors to Reading will be able to enjoy these beautiful gardens for many years to come.”

Officers will now invite bids for carrying out these specialist conservation works and appoint a suitably qualified conservation contractor. Subject to the completion of this process, works are anticipated to start on site in autumn this year.