An important archway linking two Exeter city centre parks has been reopened.
Work was recently carried out on the arch connecting Rougemont Gardens to Northernhay Gardens after it fell into disrepair.
It had been closed for a while after loose masonry was discovered on the parapet following a condition survey. The archway was shut while the Council investigated potential structural issues. Works were delayed due to higher-priority work elsewhere on the wall, notably where a section of the wall had collapsed near the Iron Bridge. This has now been fixed.
Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, said she was pleased to get the passageway opened up again and apologised for any inconvenience the closure may have caused:
“We sought the expertise of a structural engineer, who confirmed there were no structural issues surrounding the arch.
“In order to open it up again, we had to consolidate some of the loose masonry and carry out some repointing above and on either side of the archway. The reopening will enable more people to enjoy both parks in the same visit.”
The archway was cut in 1913 and provides an important link between both parks, avoiding a significant detour.

Massive Exeter student flats block would ‘tower over homes’
Flag removal on one city road could cost £6k
Another 24-hour takeaway planned for Exeter
Residents invited to comment on draft governance recommendations for Cranbrook and surrounding development areas
Crack down on antisocial behaviour in Exeter
Anger as Exeter city centre traffic scheme is rejected
Exeter MP says he did lobby for pubs as city boozer ‘bars’ him
Exeter City Centre awarded Purple Flag for excellence in night-time economy
