£250k Restoration Announced For Southampton Monument

27 August 2014, 05:54 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

£250,000 is going to be spent on restoring Southampton's Bargate.

A Capita Condition Survey on the 800-year-old monument showed that the stone structure on the north side is eroding due to penetration by rainwater. The report revealed that the extent of stone erosion and subsequent damage to the building is getting worse. The work required to rectify these problems and restore the north façade will cost an estimated £240,000, excluding fees.

A sum of £250,000 has been agreed to protect and restore this historic and iconic monument. The work on the building has only recently been commissioned and therefore the project timescales have not yet been fully agreed. We will update the public once these plans are in place.

Once complete, the public will not see a big changes in the look of the building as works will focus on preservation of the existing structure. Our goal is to carry out the necessary repairs to the Bargate rather than to make changes or additions to the building.

Leader of the council, Councillor Simon Letts said:

"The Bargate is one of our most iconic structures and it is the duty of the council to preserve it for future generations. We will be actively looking for a permanent user for the space above the gate when the works have been completed."