Structural Works at Iconic Cemetery Arch

Reading’s iconic Cemetery Arch is set to undergo important structural improvement works over the coming weeks, as well as a deep clean and refurbishment of its gates, if a listed building application is approved at Planning Applications Committee next week (Oct 2).

The application was submitted after structural engineers advised of a low risk of some stonework falling after carrying out a detailed survey.  Reading Council is appointing contractors to carry out the important health and safety repairs which would enable east Reading’s historic arch to fully re-open. Heras fencing has been in place around the structure in the meantime as a temporary safety measure, pending works beginning.

As well as repairs to damaged stonework, fixing cracks and re-pointing, the Cemetery Arch gates will be removed, repaired where required and repainted. The structure will also be steam cleaned to give it a new lease of life.

Pending the decision by Planning Applications Committee (https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=143&MId=5452 - Item 10) works are expected to begin in October/November this year and run for eight weeks. When complete, full access through the arch will be reinstated.

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.”

In July 2021 Reading Council agreed to offer local arts group, Junction Heritage and Arts (JAHA), an opportunity to develop its ambitions for Reading’s Cemetery Arch for a community heritage and arts hub.

JAHA has previously progressed several unsuccessful grant funding opportunities with the Council’s support. The Council now awaits the outcome of JAHA’s further grant bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund , due this Autumn, to secure the necessary funding to deliver its community business plan aspirations to preserve and enhance the community benefits of the arch. While the Council supports JAHA’s latest bid, if it is unsuccessful the Council will consider alternative options for the building, including placing it on the market.