£6.7m Southampton heritage project moves to next phase

Southampton City Council‘s £6.7 million project to restore some of Southampton’s heritage assets has entered its next phase.

The works started in 2021 with work on the Weigh House, Westgate Walls and some of the vaults. The current phase will see at least 26 of the city’s 40 scheduled monuments, seven listed buildings and 11 memorials restored.

This is due to be completed by the end of the year with planning currently underway for the next phase of the project.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, leader of the council, said: “I’m delighted that work on the next phase of the Heritage Asset Repair Programme has begun, and we are seeing our nationally important assets being preserved for future generations, for residents and visitors alike.

“At a time when we’re focusing on our visitor economy and telling the world our Southampton story, it is right and fitting that our heritage assets play a vital role.

“They are putting Southampton on the map, supporting our economic development and creating an attractive place that people are proud to live in, work in, enjoy and visit.”

This phase of the works is being carried out by Traditional Stone Restorations, which were appointed this year, and includes structural repairs, repointing, masonry work and specialist conservation cleaning on the Castle Bailey Wall North.

Protective ‘green capping’ will be added to Castle Bailey North which is where carefully selected turf is used to protect the top of the walls.

The Bargate will also benefit from conservation works as part of this phase with essential roof repairs.

Other sites include Forty Steps with works due to start at St Mary’s Churchyard Wall in the coming weeks.

Alex Bellisario, assistant inspector of ancient monuments at Historic England, said:“We’re delighted that Southampton City Council recognises and is placing such importance on the city’s history.

“This conservation project is one of the largest under way in the country and will make sure these special places are safeguarded for years to come.”