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Coronation fountain returns to town centre

March and District Museum Black and white photo from 1934 showing a busy row of shops on the left, some with large canopies, on the right is the fountain monument, an ornate eight-sided structure with a domed roof, with what looks like a bell at the top of a rod extending vertically from the topMarch and District Museum
The Coronation Fountain in 1934, when its water spout was still in place in its centre, with a man in white peaked cap directing traffic

A well-known royal landmark has returned to its town centre location after a 15-month absence.

The Coronation Fountain has been on Broad Street in the Cambridgeshire town of March since its installation in 1912 to mark the Coronation of King George V.

It was dismantled and sent away for refurbishment in August 2023 as part of a town centre regeneration project that had started in January.

Fenland District Council said it hoped the monument, which does not include a water feature any more, would "add to the appeal of the newly-developed Broad Street area".

John Devine/BBC The Fountain structure with the grey dome, with green and yellow trim visible but the bottom section covered in scaffolding with workmen around it. Behind it are various shops on Broad Street in March.John Devine/BBC
The Fountain has been moved on to the expanded pavement from its previous position in the middle of the road

Fenland District Council said the Grade II listed landmark had undergone "significant repairs and restoration" to enhance its historical and aesthetic value to the town and ensure the longevity of the canopy structure.

John Devine/BBC David Edwards has light grey hair, a grey moustache and glasses, he is wearing a dark blue fleece over a light blue shirt with white collar open. Behind him are some workmen in high-vis orange outfits working on the Fountain, which is surrounded by scaffolding.John Devine/BBC
David Edwards said there had been many schemes to move the Fountain over the years, but he was "thrilled" to have it back

David Edwards, archivist from March and District Museum, said he was "thrilled" to see the return of the monument which had a "chequered history".

"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," he said.

"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."

Fenland District Council The top of the Coronation Fountain showing ornate detail on its metal arches and canopy.Fenland District Council
The entire canopy has been repainted, with cracks and damage repaired
John Devine/BBC An orange and black crane arm is lifting sections of the fountain into place with scaffolding shrouding the site, there are three stone steps leading to the base of the structure and there are several workmen in high-viz orange outfits and hard hats on top of the 3m (nearly 9ft) high scaffolding and some below.John Devine/BBC
Fenland District Council say that the restoration of the Fountain also included reinstalling the stone steps at the base

The council said that, in addition to repairs, the entire canopy had been repainted "revitalising the appearance and making it a vibrant focal point for the community".

"The reconstruction also included using the original historic fountain steps," it said.

It also added that the relocation was 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 renovation work has come in for criticism from traders claiming shoppers had been driven away.

Mallets of March A view of the Coronation Fountain in March town centre from a third storey window. The metal structure is surrounded by scaffolding, and a mini roundabout is behind it.Mallets of March
The scaffolding is due to be completely removed by Friday
John Devine/BBC A workman in an orange high-vis jacket and trousers uses a cordless drill to remove screws on one of the crates containing parts of the Fountain, a much larger box can be seen on the back of a flat bed lorry.John Devine/BBC
It took the construction team two days to fully erect the monument after it was delivered in three large wooden crates

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