Work Begins to Revitalise Reading’s Historic Cemetery Arch

WORK to revitalise one of Reading’s instantly recognisable and iconic landmarks has begun.

Over the coming weeks Cemetery Arch will undergo important structural improvement works, followed by a steam clean of the Grade II Listed Structure. Scaffolding will be erected around the structure before repairs to damaged stonework begins, including fixing cracks and re-pointing. The gates have been removed and taken away for repair and repainting off-site.

At this time, and weather dependent, 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.

The work is taking place after a detailed survey by structural engineers last year advised of a low risk of some stonework falling.

Reading Council’s improvements complement plans by local arts group, Junction Heritage and Arts (JAHA), for a community heritage and arts hub to be created at Cemetery Arch. 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.

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.

“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. “