Old Reading Room

The Old Reading Room is a building originally constructed in 1835, designed by architect William Kendall, who was also responsible for the layout of Madeira Drive and Esplanade, as well as Esplanade Cottages and The Temple. This structure, which has been adapted for committee meetings, features a stucco exterior and consists of a five-bay range.

The central entrance is a round-arched tunnel framed by rusticated piers and panelled blocks, with architraves, chamfered jambs, and recessed spandrel panels. This tunnel leads under the roadway to emerge between Esplanade Cottages on the opposite side. The entrance is flanked by a five-bay pilastrade of the Tuscan order, topped with a continuous entablature and dentil cornice. Each side bay is defined by a pair of smaller Tuscan pilasters that support an entablature, and within each bay, there is a round-arched opening, now blocked, featuring architraves and projecting sills, with a plain dado below.

The interior has not been inspected. The Old Reading Room is part of a significant group of buildings in Kemp Town, which includes the Tunnel entrance, Esplanade Cottages, and The Temple, contributing to the area's architectural importance alongside Arundel Terrace, Chichester Terrace, Lewes Crescent, Sussex Square, and related structures.