Westgate works update
Reconstruction work to return Warwick’s historic Westgate to its former glory is continuing.
The 12th century arch, which supports the chapel above and covers the footway at West Street, Warwick, next to the Lord Leycester Hospital, has been undergoing vital repairs in recent months.
Following reports of falling debris from the structure, an inspection by Warwickshire County Council engineers last year found that the face of the original sandstone was very soft and in poor condition.
Work by contractors Currall, Lewis and Martin (Construction Ltd) has progressed since. Engineers say that repairs to the main arch including drainage to the chapel footway above, selective stone replacement, re-pointing and application of the stone stabilisation solution are almost complete. Most of the temporary scaffolding erected to catch falling masonry will be removed once this is completed.
The time consuming work has involved the use of specialist stone masons to protect and preserve the unique heritage of one of Warwickshire’s significant landmarks.
Further repairs will soon start on the more delicate west arch and the inner walls of Westgate.