Coronation Fountain Reinstated in Town Centre

A prominent royal monument has been reinstated in its central urban location following a 15-month absence. The Coronation Fountain has stood on Broad Street in the Cambridgeshire town of March since its establishment in 1912, commemorating the Coronation of King George V. The structure was disassembled and transported for refurbishment in August 2023, as part of a town centre regeneration project that had commenced in January. Fenland District Council expressed its hope that the monument, which no longer incorporates a water feature, would “add to the appeal of the newly-developed Broad Street area”. The Grade II listed landmark, according to Fenland District Council, underwent “significant repairs and restoration” to enhance its historical and aesthetic value to the town and ensure the longevity of the canopy structure. David Edwards, an archivist from March and District Museum, conveyed his “thrilled” reaction to the monument’s reappearance, noting it had a “chequered history”. He stated, “We nearly lost it in 1942 when there was a drive to gather up metal for the war effort – it was only saved with [a] casting vote.” “Its biggest change came in 1963, when the two-metre (6ft) tall, ornate, four-spouted centrepiece water feature was removed to improve traffic visibility for motorists.” “It was sold for £5 and has been in private hands ever since.” The council reported that, in addition to repairs, the entire canopy had been repainted, “revitalising the appearance and making it a vibrant focal point for the community”. It also stated, “The reconstruction also included using the original historic fountain steps.” It further added that the repositioning formed 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,” it said. The refurbishment efforts have drawn criticism from local merchants, who assert that shoppers have been deterred. Updates on Cambridgeshire news are available via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Details concerning the approach to external linking can be found.