RESTORATIVE works have begun on the Cemetery Arch in Reading following years of campaigning for improvement of the site.
The arch which fronts the burial site at Cemetery Junction has been in a state of disrepair, but arts group Junction Arch Heritage and Arts has advocated for its restoration and use as a community asset.
Now works are set to get underway which will see important structural, cleaning, and restorative measures to be taken on the arch.
The gates housed by the arch have been taken away for repairs and repainting and scaffolding will be erected around the structure itself ahead of repairs to damaged stonework.
Cracks in the structure will be fixed and it will be re-pointed after the site was surveyed by engineers last year.
Reading Council’s improvements complement plans by the Junction Heritage and Arts group for a community heritage and arts hub to be created at the site.
This follows a decision by the Council to offer JAHA a window to bid for Heritage Lottery funding in order to bring its ambition to fruition.
The improvement works are expected to last around 12 weeks before Cemetery Arch can be fully reopened to the public.
Limited access to the cemetery will be provided during the works to ensure public safety.
It comes just weeks after the sudden death of Nick Cooksey, who founded and led the group.
Micky Leng, Reading Council’s lead councillor for planning and assets, said: “These are important improvement works by the Council which will include the necessary repairs to the bath stone which makes Cemetery Arch so distinctive.
“The structure dates back to the 1840’s, so it is no surprise that the masonry work periodically requires some attention, and that need was confirmed during a structural survey we commissioned.”
He explained: “The project comes in advance of JAHA ‘s own ambitious plans to create a community heritage and arts hub at the arch, which in itself would help revitalise what is instantly recognisable as an iconic Reading landmark.”
“The Council recently met JAHA directors to talk about how plans are developing and next steps, as we await confirmation of any news on its latest bid for National Lottery funding which is required to bring it to fruition.
“The Council has always been keen to see the arch brought back into active use, and ideally in the form of a project which has the potential to bring real benefits to the local community in east Reading and the wider town, which is why we were happy to allow JAHA a further time period to develop its ambitious plans for the site.
“Nick Cooksey was passionate about his vision for the arch and I know everyone at JAHA is determined to see his legacy fulfilled.”
