Readstone on budget and ahead of schedule for renovation projects

By Scott Dawson Advertising

23 Apr 2024

Simon Whittam project manager at Readstone Construction in front of the Derby Arms in Colne.jpg.jpg

Altham-based Readstone Construction is ahead of schedule and on budget for the renovation of Colne’s Pendle Hippodrome Theatre and former historic Derby Arms pub.

The project, to create a pre-theatre venue and function room, is on track to finish three months ahead of schedule, which means it should be ready in June.

In what has been a complete transformation, funded by the government’s Levelling Up pot, the project has included the installation of three passenger lifts, new sash windows, chemical cleaning of the external walls, new extensions and much more.

Where possible, the team has managed to retain some of the building’s original features, restoring original cornice work, cleaning exposed red brick walls and replicating the original stained glass windows.

They have also redeveloped the Pendle Hippodrome’s existing foyer, box office and toilet areas.

Where possible, Readstone has used local sub-contractors from Nelson, Colne and Burnley to work on the renovation, creating new jobs for people across the Pendle and the wider area.

Four East Lancashire apprentices have also played a key role in the development, all of whom have qualified in their roles whilst working on the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre. The apprentice roles have included bricklaying, assistant site manager and joiner.

Simon Whittam, project director at Readstone Construction, said: “We are so proud to be bringing fantastic buildings like this back to life.

“The project has not come without its challenges, but it has been extremely rewarding to see its progress to this stage, and we are delighted to be both on budget and ahead of schedule.

“One of the conditions for doing this project was to use local sub-contractors where possible. We are proud to say that 90 per cent of our sub-contractors have been local, which has been great for all parties involved.”

Richard Savory, managing director of RAISE Partnership Limited, said: “As programme managers of the Levelling Up-funded Colne Heritage Quarter Project, working on behalf of Pendle Borough Council, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with Readstone Construction.

“Simon and his team have been easy to deal with, have delivered on time and on budget, and consistently demonstrated their commitment to the highest quality craftsmanship and quality.”

The Pendle Hippodrome Theatre renovation is a part of a £6.5m project to restore Colne’s Heritage Quarter, which also includes the Little Theatre, Colne Muni and the transformation of Colne Market Hall.

Phillip Spurr, director of place for Pendle Borough Council, said: “We are delighted with the work Readstone has carried out at Pendle Hippodrome to transform the theatre.

“Our new Heritage Quarter, which also includes The Little Theatre and The Muni Theatre, is in the heart of Colne and will offer an enhanced programme of events and activities for the local community and visitors.”

Andrew Hawthorne Architects (Architect) and DCR Surveying (Quantity Surveyors), both from Colne, have both played a significant role during the Pendle Hippodrome and Derby Arms project.

You can learn more about Readstone Construction on their website: https://www.readstoneconstruction.com/ 

Latest news

1

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win Warehouse Supervisor at Pets Choice Brad Eddleston and McMurrays Sales Manager Rob Spencer. Photo credit: McMurrays Haulage Limited

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win

21 Oct 2025

2

Dragons' Den star to shine on Lancashire Business Day Derry Green

Dragons' Den star to shine on Lancashire Business Day

21 Oct 2025

3

Eden Project Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 marks 25th anniversary Eden Project garden

Eden Project Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 marks 25th anniversary

21 Oct 2025

4

Lancashire farm named 'Family Farming Business of the Year' British Farming Awards

Lancashire farm named 'Family Farming Business of the Year'

20 Oct 2025

5

Breck Homes appoints new managing director Phil Dolan, Breck

Breck Homes appoints new managing director

20 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin