Reading's iconic Cemetery Arch is set to undergo important structural improvements this autumn.

The work will include a clean and refurbishment of its gates, if a listed building application is approved by the Planning Applications Committee on October 2, and will last for eight weeks.

Upon completion, full access through the arch will be restored.

The application follows advice from structural engineers who identified a low risk of stonework falling after a detailed survey.

Reading Borough Council is appointing contractors to carry out health and safety repairs, which will allow the arch in east Reading to fully reopen.

Hera fencing has been put in place as a temporary safety measure.

Micky Leng, Reading Council’s lead councillor for planning and assets, said: "The town’s Grade II listed Cemetery Arch is both iconic and synonymous with Reading.

"Following a structural survey, it was found that the arch was in need of some repairs to its structure.

"As well as the essential work needed for the stonework, contractors will be fixing cracks and repointing masonry, and the Cemetery Arch gates will be refurbished, repainted, then rehung.

"The structure will also have a specialist steam clean to give this old building a new lease of life.

"The temporary fencing has been in place for a number of weeks now, although there has still been access through a side gate in the meantime.

"We would ask residents to bear with us a little longer whilst these important repairs take place."

He added: "When complete, we hope these safety and improvement works will additionally help to support any future proposals for the arch, which we remain keen on being brought back into active use, ideally in the form of a project which will bring economic and social wellbeing opportunities for the local community and the wider town."

In July 2021, Reading Council agreed to offer arts group, Junction Heritage and Arts (JAHA), an opportunity to develop its ambitions for the Cemetery Arch into a community heritage and arts hub.

JAHA has been working on securing grant funding with the council's support.

The council now awaits the outcome of JAHA’s further grant bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, due this autumn, to secure the necessary funding to deliver its community business plan.