READING Borough Council has announced that works could soon begin on the arch in Cemetery Junction.
The Grade II listed arch, which leads into Reading Old Cemetery, has been unused for more than a decade, as funding was needed for expensive repairs to bring it up to safety standards.
This includes the delicate stonework surrounding it, refurbishment of the gates, and a deep clean.
Now the council has confirmed that it has applied for a listed building works after a contractor’s survey determined that there was a low risk of falling masonry.
If the application to begin works is approved at the Planning Applications Committee meeting next week, contractors will be appointed to undertake the project.
The damaged stonework on the arch will be repaired, including the fixing of cracks and re-pointing work, the gates will be removed and repaired, and the structure will be deep-cleaned.
It follows years of calls for the arch to be preserved and repaired, with the Junction Arch Heritage and Arts (JAHA) group in particular campaigning for its restoration and revitalisation as a community asset.
JAHA submitted a number of grant funding applications to develop its ambitions for the site, including using it for community events.
The council has confirmed it is waiting the outcome of their latest grant bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which, if accepted, would secure funding for the group to deliver its plans.
The council is supporting the bid but will consider alternative options for the building, which could include placing it on the market.
Micky Leng, Reading Council’s Lead Councillor for Planning and Assets, said: “The town’s Grade II listed Cemetery Arch is both iconic and synonymous with Reading. Following a structural survey, it was found that the arch was in need of some repairs to its structure.
“As well as the essential work needed for the stonework, contractors will be fixing cracks and re-pointing masonry and the Cemetery Arch gates will be refurbished, repainted, then rehung. The structure will also have a specialist steam clean to give this old building a new lease of life.
“The temporary fencing has been in place for a number of weeks now, although there has still been access through a side gate in the meantime. We would ask residents to bear with us a little longer whilst these important repairs take place.
“When complete, we hope these safety and improvement works will additionally help to support any future proposals for the arch which we remain keen on being brought back into active use, ideally in the form of a project which will bring economic and social wellbeing opportunities for the local community and the wider town.”
The Planning Applications Committee is now due to meet on Tuesday
