This is how Southampton's heritage is being restored (and what it involves)

The next phase of Southampton’s £6.7m heritage project is getting underway.

The ‘ambitious’ conservation programme will see some of the city’s nationally important heritage assets restored.

This includes at least 26 of the 40 Scheduled Monuments in the city, seven listed buildings and 11 memorials.

Urgent work on the Weigh House, Westgate Walls, and some of the vaults in 2021 and 2022 preceded the three-year programme.

This current phase of work is due to be completed by the end of this year and preparations for the next phase have already begun.

The Bargate (Image: Magdalena Ulinska)

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.”

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Traditional Stone Restoration were appointed earlier this year to carry out this phase of the repair works which includes Castle Bailey Wall North.

This will involve structural repairs, repointing, masonry work and specialist conservation cleaning.

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.”

The next phase follows Southampton City Council’s commitment to invest £6.7m in the city’s heritage assets in 2021.