WORK on the restoration of historic West Gate in Warwick is set to start this week.
The grade I listed stone archway was one of three medieval gateways into Warwick and the structure supports St James Chapel which forms part of the Lord Leycester Hospital. Due to the particular type of sandstone the archway is constructed from, much of West Gate’s masonry is badly eroded.
Warwick county councillor John Holland said: “The West Gate in Warwick dates back to 12th century and we welcome the restoration works being undertaken to this important part of Warwick’s heritage.
“This essential work has to be carried out but great care has been taken both on the work inside the arch and outside to minimise disruption to pedestrians and traffic.
“We have worked with Warwick Chamber of Trade on the timing of the works to support local businesses and ensure access to them in their critical period running up to Christmas.”
County planning spokesman Coun Jeff Clarke said the project was set to be completed by November.
He added: “This is the latest in a suite of works that we have been undertaking to improve Warwick’s town centre.
We have been implementing a series of works that will ultimately improve congestion and make the town centre much more pedestrian-friendly and that is excellent news not only for residents and visitors but also for businesses thinking of locating themselves in and around the town centre.”
The works are expected to cause some traffic disruption. Temporary traffic lights will be in place at the High Street, West Street and Bowling Green Street junction until late October.
Leycester Place will also be closed during the first phase so three-way rather than four-way traffic signals can be used to help ease congestion.
The second phase of the work will take place inside the arch and will only require occasional traffic management in High Street.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/westgate for updates on the project.
