Tyburn Fountains Refurbishment at Marble Arch

Comserve are proud to have been involved in the refurbishment of one of London's best known landmarks. 

The project which is part of a £2.1 million scheme for the regeneration of the City of westminster featured the repair of the three bronze fountains beside the landmark that have been out of commission for 10 years.

Under instruction from West One Infrastructure and FM Conway’s, Comserve carried out the mechanical aspect of the work to restore the fountains to a state far in excess of their original design.

The project also included the illumination of the 181 year old arch and a 27ft bronze statue of a horse by artist Nic Fiddian-Green has become a centrepiece on the lawn facing the Arch as part of a rolling art project.

The fountains were installed in the early Sixties but have been out of service for a decade and in 2003 were filled with soil and turned into giant planters to disguise them. The restoration will bring them back to their former glory and at night the soaring needle jets of water will be lit by a series of coloured lights.

Westminster City Council Leader Councillor Colin Barrow said: "The restored Arch, along with the fountains and the newly landscaped grounds, will ensure this grand gateway to the West End gets the recognition it rightly deserves."

English Heritage, which maintains the Grade I listed structure, also gave their approval of the project. Graham Saunders, senior planning advisor for the London region at English Heritage, said: "This is a key historic London landmark set within a particularly challenging location, and this programme of works will significantly enhance its setting and attractiveness for visitors and Londoners alike to enjoy."

Marble Arch was designed by John Nash and based on the triumphal Arch of Constantine in Rome. It was originally erected on The Mall but was moved in 1851.Legend has it that the reason for the move was because it was too narrow for Queen Victoria's state coach to pass through. The fountains were installed in the early Sixties but have been out of service for a decade and in 2003 were filled with soil and turned into giant planters to disguise them.

Stuart Wells, Project consultant for Comserve, commented: "It was an honour and a pleasure to be involved in such a prestigious project. To revitalise a part of London that had almost been forgotten is somethin to be proud of and I recommend people take time out to enjoy it."