The Heritage Assets Repair Programme (HARP) is an initiative designed to preserve Southampton’s iconic monuments and ensure that its beloved landmarks remain available for future generations to experience and enjoy.

A multi-phase series of works, Paye delivered the second phase as Principal Contractor, covering 13 historically important sites across the city, including:

Bargate | Holyrood Church | Castle Hall | Castle Vault | Tower Walls (West and South) | Canute’s Palace | Watergate | Round Tower on Town Walls (East) | Conduit House on Commercial Road

The restoration work involved a series of highly intricate and meticulous tasks, including stone detailing and masonry repairs.

Each site followed a similar programme, focusing on roofing, stone replacement, and masonry repairs, employing tried and tested conservation methods to sensitively restore landmarks and bring them back to their best, including full-scale stone replacements and hand-crafted techniques. These methods ensure seamless integration with the existing structures.

The stone used in the projects includes Caen and Purbeck. Using these historically significant stones enabled the materials to match the original structures in both colour and composition

The Heritage Assets Repair Programme exemplifies the city’s dedication to celebrating and preserving its heritage while keeping it alive as a vibrant part of the community.