A historic arch at the busiest junction in Reading is set to be restored as urgent repairs are needed.
The arch at Cemetery Junction is a monument that dates back to 1840 at the graveyard in East Reading, which used to be the town’s main cemetery.
Due to its age and the impact of being close to the busy junction, parts of the arch are in danger of collapse if remedial action is not taken.
Inspections of the arch identified a number of defects which have led to significant structural cracking and weakening in places.
Therefore Reading Borough Council, which owns the arch, is conducting a restoration project to preserve it, keeping it in place for future generations.
The beginning of ‘essential’ works were discussed at a planning applications committee meeting.
Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services argued preservation works need to be carried out due to the structural defects the arch has.
Cllr Rowland (Labour, Abbey) said: “Because of its standing and the limestone, that is actually causing the building not to breathe, trapping the moisture inside.
“If we get the building cleaned, it can breathe, so this is essential work.”
She asked that the cleaning works be undertaken with the approval of the council’s heritage officer.
The project is the first phase of ongoing work. This phase will involve rectifying the leaning pediment at the front of the arch as well as maintenance and cleaning works.
Cllr Rowland said: “I think it’s a really positive first step that the council is making in investing in what is the gateway to our wonderful Reading Old Cemetery, which many of us hold very dear and I’m really pleased to see it.
Junction Arch Heritage and Arts (JAHA), which had long had hopes to lease the arch from the council to turn it into a heritage hub and hold art installations there.
Nick Cooksey, who is coordinating the project, was present in the public gallery.
Addressing him, cllr Rowland said: “I know that your commitment through JAHA and your seeking to secure further grants is something that you’ve been working hard on for a number of years.”
In June, JAHA held a community survey to gauge support for its plans which received 122 responses, particularly for art exhibitions, one-off community events and a cafe.
The maintenance works were approved unanimously by councillors at the meeting on Wednesday, October 2.
You can view the approved project by typing reference PL/24/0868 into the council’s planning portal.
It was granted on the condition that any cleaning has to be supervised by the council’s heritage officer or an equivalent qualified practitioner.
