Billericay Reading Rooms

The Billericay Reading Rooms are a community facility, steeped in history. It is the perfect location for a wide range of events and meetings.

The Reading Rooms, located in the High Street opposite St Mary Magdalene Church, are used as a meeting place for local clubs and societies. It is also the venue for popular Saturday morning sales, which are usually held to raise funds for local charities.

History of the Reading Rooms

The facility has a history of community use since being built more than 120 years ago. Its Victorian red brick façade bears an inscription “Reading Rooms 1886” indicating it’s original purpose. In fact an earlier building stood on this site and was also used as a reading room by a local literary institution from at least 1864.

In 1985 the rooms were registered as a charity and became known as The Billericay Recreation Rooms Foundation. The rooms were improved by an extension at the rear, which provided kitchen, toilet and storage facilities.

The foundation is managed by a committee of trustees, some of who represent the regular users of the premises. The committee meets every two months and reviews fees every year.

Andy Maddocks, from the foundation, said: “The history of the Reading Rooms, which are in the High Street in Billericay, should be familiar to most residents, but we believe that whilst people may be aware of the building, they are not conversant with their use and availability.”

The premises can be hired and used by people from Billericay and the surrounding area. The convenience of the premises, centrally located in the High Street opposite St Mary Magdalene Church, lends itself to a variety of uses so whether you are a club or local organisation looking for a meeting place, or need a venue for a one off event then why not look at holding it at the Reading Rooms.

Contact Information

For further information about using the premises please call the Letting Agent, Sheila Pullin, on 079170 76490 (Between 10am & 4pm Mon to Fri) or email her at sheilascottage@talktalk.net