Historic March Fountain set to return to town centre next week
March's historic Coronation fountain is finally set to be reinstalled in Broad Street next week after more than a year away.
The Grade II listed landmark has undergone significant repairs and restoration to enhance its historical and aesthetic value after it was removed in August last year as part of the town centre regeneration project.
It was originally due to be removed in June, but nesting pigeons forced the dismantling to be delayed to allow the birds to fledge.
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 and will hopefully ensure the longevity of its ornate canopy.
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 carefully dismantled to allow works on the transformation of Broad Street to start.
A specialist restoration contractor carried out the refurbishment in agreement with Fenland District Council's conservation officer.
The fountain, which was built thanks to donations by the people of March to commemorate the coronation of King George V dates to 1911, will not be returning to its former site, which has now become a mini-roundabout.
Instead, it is to be located on the newly pedestrianised area of Broad Street outside Mallets jewellers.
A move which when previously announced sparked a massive outcry not least from owners of the jewellers fearful the relocation of the monument would harm their business and lead to anti-social behaviour.
More than 3,500 people signed a petition against it being moved outside Mallets with various suggestions on where it might be better put, including close to the riverside area, which is set to be opened up under the scheme.
However, despite Fenland Council agreeing to re-visit the possible location of the fountain councillors in the end voted to put it outside Mallets.
Work to prepare the site ready for the fountain’s reinstallation has already been undertaken and work is now due to rebuild it next week.
A spokesperson for the council 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. By enabling greater appreciation and enjoyment of the historic structure, it's hoped the fountain will add to the appeal of the newly-developed Broad Street area.”
for more information on the Broad Street regeneration or wider Future High Street Fund works please visit Fenland Council’s website.
