Definitely not expecting it to be the jewel in their crown, Gary Richmond, and his partner Linzi Betts are nervously waiting for the return next week of a historic fountain which will be plonked outside their jewellery store in March, Cambridgeshire.
It will put to the test their argument that Fenland District Council, who sanctioned the move, that previous mock ups of the road outline “gives absolutely no perspective of the size/scale of the structure for us or our neighbours”.
A petition, with 3,587 signatures, says the intended location of March fountain in front of Malletts was announced “without any consultation with the proprietors or their near neighbours.Gary, along with many others, campaigned to place the historic fountain elsewhere, one favoured option being near to the river where a former shelter weas demolished.
WHEN THE COUNCIL KNOWS BEST!
But Fenland Council remains adamant they knew best and next week the Coronation foundation will be reinstalled much closer to Mr Richmond’s shop than when he last viewed it.
You can’t, of course, beat an old fashioned tape measure to check the measurements of the fountain to Malletts– you know the outline of where the fountain is since the marking was undertaken, officially, by Fenland Council.“The Grade II listed landmark has undergone significant repairs and restoration to enhance its historical and aesthetic value to the town and ensure future longevity of the canopy structure,” said a council spokesperson.
“The refurbishment project, undertaken as part of the wider March Future High Streets Fund regeneration works, addressed a variety of issues, including cracks and damage to the structure.
Work to dismantle and store March Fountain is under way. It could take up to a fortnight to complete the removal. PHOTO: Gary Richmond“In addition to repairs, the entire canopy has been repainted, revitalising its appearance, and making it a vibrant focal point for the community. The reconstruction also includes the original historic fountain steps.”
Historic photograph of the Coronation fountain: Fenland District Council rejected opposition to the move and said the relocation of the fountain was approved by its planning committeeThe fountain, which was built to celebrate the Coronation of King George V in 1911, was dismantled in June ready for its refurbishment to begin and to allow works on the transformation of Broad Street to start.
Planned work to dismantle March’s Coronation Fountain as part of the ongoing town centre regeneration was postponed to protect nesting doves.
Broad Street early 20th century postcard from the south looking toward Coronation fountainA specialist restoration contractor carried out the refurbishment in agreement with Fenland District Council’s conservation officer.
Thanks to Colin Arnold for reminding us of 2002 when the fountain was removed – temporarily – for a facelift.Unusually for Fenland Council they have left a ‘spokesperson’ to explain the fountain’s return.
Broad Street after the fountain was erected in the early part of the 20th centuryThe spokesperson added: “The relocation of the fountain to its new home within Broad Street was not just a restoration project, but part of the overall effort to revitalise the area and increase footfall and social interaction in the town centre.
“By enabling greater appreciation and enjoyment of the historic structure, it’s hoped.”
Fenland District Council rejected opposition to the move and says work to dismantle it.
The spokesperson said the relocation of the fountain was approved by its planning committee.
“The fountain will be moved a few metres from its current position, at the top of the central reservation in Broad Street, to what will become a new pedestrianised, public realm area,” said the spokesperson.
Digital photography used to show March Fountain on the move – computer mock up begins to demonstrate new location Broad Street, March. Over 400 photographs from close up drone and mobile phone scanning helped create this extraordinary view of the fountain’s new ‘home’. PHOTO: Terry HarrisPlanned work to dismantle the fountain was postponed to protect nesting doves.
