Painstaking work to repair and restore a historic iron gateway in Holyhead will get underway tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11th).
The unique history of the St Cybi’s site dates back to the late Roman period during the third century.
A Grade II listed archway and decorative iron gateway now provides access to the lower churchyard on Victoria Road. However, over the years, the port town’s salt laden atmosphere has ravaged the unprotected ironwork, causing extensive corrosion. Some elements of the ironwork have deteriorated so significantly, that they must be reproduced.
Through its successful Holyhead Townscape Heritage Initiative, Anglesey Council has secured grants from the European Regional Development Fund; and National Lottery Heritage Fund to the repair and reinstate this important feature.
This work represents the first phase of a larger planned investment scheme, managed by the County Council, on the St Cybi site over the next 12-18 months.
Anglesey’s Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones, said, “We are pleased to be able to invest in such an important and historic site. The external funding secured will protect and enhance St Cybi’s churchyard. Conserving important features such as the listed archway’s ironwork will ensure that future generations are able to share in this unique site with its origins dating back to the Roman times. This project will preserve a small but significant piece of Holyhead’s history, address recent concerns about its condition and provide safe access to the site.”
Reverend Rob Wardle, Bro Cybi Ministry Area Leader, added, “St Cybi's are delighted this much-needed repair work to the lower churchyard gates is going to take place. We are very pleased to be working in close partnership with the County Council and are grateful to them for accessing funds for this important work, which is part of the ongoing renovation of the site and its buildings. St Cybi’s is in the centre of our town and a much-loved Church in our community.
The gates will be repaired by ironwork restoration specialists, Calibre Metalwork. The company previously restored the iron gates at the newly refurbished Holyhead Market Hall. They will undertake treatment to remove salt deposits, prior to applying a protective layer and paintwork to resist the future effects of the marine environment.
The works will involve the removal of the ironwork off site for up to 10 weeks and will mean that the archway entrance will be closed all day on Tuesday 11th February. Alternative pedestrian access from St Cybi’s to Victoria Road will be via Swift Square.
For further details on the work please contact the Project Manager, Nathan Blanchard, on (01248) 752047 or email npbpl@anglesey.gov.wales
Ends 10.2.20