Winsford regeneration: Next steps for Boer and World War memorials

The Cenotaph and Boer War Memorial are due to be relocated as work continues on the town’s £22.5 million regeneration.

As part of the original planning application, it was stated that a written scheme of works for the dismantling, moving and re-building of the monuments must be agreed to by the local planning authority.

That document has now been submitted, by Calvey Restoration Limited, and has revealed what the next steps for the two memorials will be.

Scaffolding will be erected, encapsulating both monuments, before a cut is made into the base to determine how the Boer War soldier statue is attached.

The statue will then be lifted into a “purpose-made” storage crate and “moved carefully” to an onsite storage area.  

ALSO READ: Winsford workers 'are actors' among project myths dispelled

Behind the scenes of the Winsford regeneration project (Image: Newsquest)

A similar process will then take place for each section of the two memorials, which will be numbered, covered and protected.

The bronze plaques attached to the Cenotaph will be removed for restoration, which will take place at a workshop away from the construction site.

Each plaque will be washed and attempts will be made to remove as much Verdigris (the blueish colour bronze turns when exposed to moisture and oxygen) as possible, however, some will likely remain.

Sulphur will then be applied to help recolour the bronze before wax is applied.

The monuments will eventually be rebuilt atop a set of new stone steps replicating the originals in a civic square being created as part of the Winsford regeneration.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe said: "We'll have got a space that can have more people on Remembrance Sunday all year around. It's that sort of quality of space that wasn't there."

PICTURES: First look behind the scenes of £22.5m town centre redevelopment

What the new civic square could look like (Image: CWAC)

Carried out by Kier Group, the regeneration project involves demolishing buildings deemed no longer for purpose, including Fountain Court.

In their place, a 168-space car park and several units will be built, alongside the aforementioned square which is due to be finished later this year.