Client
Reading Borough Council
Value
£500k
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Heritage & Listed Coatings Corrosion Control ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) External Façade Refurbishment Steel Frame Cathodic Protection Projects
The Abbey Gateway, part of Reading’s historic Abbey Quarter, is a site of national and local significance, originally constructed alongside Reading Abbey in 1121. While remnants of the medieval structure remain, much of the visible fabric dates from 1861 when Sir George Gilbert Scott undertook a comprehensive restoration. Over centuries, the Gatehouse and Abbey Ruins fell into disrepair, necessitating careful conservation to preserve their historical and architectural value.
As part of the Reading Abbey Revealed project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Reading Borough Council, CRL Restoration was commissioned in 2017 to restore the Gatehouse, upgrade its facilities, and enable public access, creating a cultural landmark that honours Reading’s rich heritage while ensuring structural integrity for the future. The project was completed in April 2018 with a contract value of £1.4 million.
Services Undertaken
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Replacement of stepped-profile lead roof with insulation
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Repair of external stonework, windows, and doors
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Internal asbestos removal and strip-out of partitions and staircase
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Construction of new replacement staircase
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Internal repairs and decoration
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Installation of new ground-floor toilets and first-floor tea-point
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Replacement and upgrade of mechanical and electrical services, including lighting, power, data infrastructure, hot and cold water, gas-fired central heating, and ventilation systems
CRL Restoration adopted a meticulous conservation-led approach to safeguard the Abbey Gateway’s historical fabric while integrating modern facilities. The works began with the removal of deteriorated lead roofing, replaced with a stepped-profile lead system incorporating insulation to improve thermal performance.
External stonework, windows, and doors were repaired using traditional techniques, ensuring compatibility with the historic masonry. Internal asbestos removal and strip-out operations were undertaken, including the dismantling of first-floor partitions and a modern staircase. A new, sympathetic staircase was then constructed to provide safe access. Mechanical and electrical services were fully upgraded, encompassing hot and cold water systems, gas-fired central heating, electrical heating, lighting, data infrastructure, and ventilation, designed to meet contemporary standards while minimizing visual impact. Ground floor rooms were fitted with new toilets and a first-floor tea-point, and external yard areas were enhanced with masonry piers, railings, and boundary improvements.
CRL’s team coordinated complex scaffolding, temporary access, and conservation protocols to protect the structure throughout, demonstrating expertise in heritage asset management, structural repairs UK, and high-quality concrete repairs where required.
"CRL Restoration successfully delivered this sensitive restoration and conservation of Reading Abbey Gatehouse, returning this nationally significant historic structure to public use while carefully respecting its complex medieval and Victorian fabric. The completed works now form a key part of the Abbey Quarter, supporting Reading Borough Council’s vision to create a vibrant cultural destination following its reopening to the public in 2018."
Ben Lawson | Heritage Manager | CRL Restoration
Long-term preservation measures focused on durability, corrosion prevention, and the protection of historic masonry and structural elements. The new lead roof and insulation protect against water ingress while mitigating thermal stress on stonework. Stone repairs and replacement masonry were executed with lime-based mortars to maintain breathability and resist carbonation.
Internal finishes and decorative coatings were applied to minimise moisture penetration and provide easy maintenance. Modern M&E systems were installed with corrosion-resistant materials and concealed routing to prevent structural or aesthetic damage.
By combining traditional conservation techniques with contemporary protection strategies, CRL ensured reduced maintenance requirements, enhanced resilience, and extended service life for the Abbey Gateway. This approach demonstrates CRL’s ability to deliver heritage-sensitive interventions that balance historical integrity with long-term asset management.
