It’s on its way back – photos today show the historic Coronation fountain being returned to March, Cambridgeshire, but in a new position that attracted criticism from some shopkeepers and residents.
The fountain is being positioned outside Malletts jewellers in Broad Street and the shop’s owners Gary Richmond and his partner Linzi Betts fear it will deter customers.
The town has undergone a multi-million pound series of works that have widened pavements in Broad Street and removed a central aisle parking space for shoppers.
Fenland District Council, who sanctioned the move of the fountain, rejected a long campaign to move the fountain elsewhere in the town centre.
Gary, along with many others, wanted to place the historic fountain elsewhere, one favoured option being near to the river where a former shelter weas demolished.
But Fenland Council remained adamant they knew best and now the Coronation foundation is being reinstalled much closer to Mr Richmond’s shop than when he last viewed it.
“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.
“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.”
The fountain, which was built to celebrate the Coronation of King George V in 1911, was dismantled and moved temporarily to allow works on the transformation of Broad Street to start.
A restoration contractor carried out the refurbishment in agreement with Fenland District Council’s conservation officer.
A Fenland Council spokesperson said: “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”.
The spokesperson said the move to its new location would enable “greater appreciation and enjoyment of the historic structure”.
“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”.
Work to dismantle the fountain was postponed for a short time to protect nesting doves.
