The historic entrance archway to Pearson Park has been shortlisted in the 2022 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards.
As a 2022 regional finalist, the quality and sensitive restoration of the arch has been recognised, and is already considered successful at the first stage assessment and will now be reviewed by the AABC national judging panel.
Councillor John Fareham, chairman of the Pearson Park Trust said: “I’m delighted this stunning piece of architecture has been shortlisted for this award.
“To be a finalist in this competition is recognition not only of the important heritage of the archway, but of the fantastic work undertaken by the council, Pearson Park Trust and specialist contractors to ensure its future is secured for generations to come.”
The 150 year old entrance gateway was awarded Engineering Heritage Listed Status by the Royal Institution of Mechanical Engineers earlier this year following its refurbishment by restoration specialists Lost Art in 2019. The work was done as part of the park’s £3.8million National Lottery Heritage Fund restoration project.
The gateway was initially removed in more than 50 pieces from Pearson Avenue at the end of 2018 and transported to Lost Art’s workshop where the extent of the corrosion to the structure was assessed and work took place.
Repairs ranged from infilling simple hairline cracks to more complex work including the recreation of some of the detailing lost over the years and rebuilt using original drawings and historical photographs.
Results of the awards are expected to be announced in January 2022. The complete list of 2022 regional finalists can be found here.
