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Reading Cafe Refurbishment Progress

In early 2010, we embarked on a significant refurbishment programme across both branches, beginning in February and completed in Junr 2010. Most of the work was done out of hours which meant that all services remained available at all times. Reading's refurbishment was extensive, covering equipment, kitchen, toilets, communal areas, front of house and even the outside and was done in sections. Every now and again we posedt some photos and provided an update on what was going on, so enjoy! NOTE Some images were taken on mobile phone cameras and the quality may vary considerably.

Downstairs Rear Internet and Cafe Area
This has had many appearances over the years and is what's been going on recently. The work in this area is now complete.

     
Left to right: Construction begins on new downstairs PC units, PCs in place, lighting and chairs in place

      
Left to right: Rear area from stairs before and after work. Tables and chairs have yet to be replaced at this point.


Left to right: The new tables and chairs arrive - very posh!

Kitchen Area
This area required extensive work and is being done is carefully planned sections out of hours so that it remain fully operational during the day. Equipment, flooring, units and lighting are being replaced. This work is going on now and we'll update this page as we go.


Left to right: Original ovens (2) and prover retarder in situ, original sink unit, whoops! and first glimpse of new units and ovens in place


Left to right: New units start to go in, masking off for spray painting, kitchen area complete

Toilet Area
This area had started to get quite grotty recently, so we decided it was time to do a full on refit of floors, equipment and tiles. This is the only area of the cafe where it is partly closed and we are temporarily running on one toilet at a time until each is completed.

    
Left: Definately looking a bit ropey. Right: offending articles removed as well as floor. Far right: ladies and gents loo finished
Below: Corridor now prepped and painted, new floor fitted

 


Above: Upstairs repainted and artwork installed

Outside Area
We've now completed quite a bit here: new tiles, revarnished door, new awning etc. There will be new signage, banner barriers and street furniture in due course, but some of it we're still waiting for at the mo.

  
left: as was, old awning in shot also. Right: New tiles and awning being replaced. Far right: complete, new chairs, awning etc

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The work is now complete! Enjoy!