The recently refurbished entrance to Chester Castle has been officially reopened.

Councillor Louise Gittins and Peter Barlow from Historic England officially opened the 200-year-old Grade 1 listed propylaeum. The work was possible due to grant funding totally £679,000 made up of £404,000 from Historic England, £200,000 from Cheshire West and Chester Council and £75,000 from WREN’s FCC Heritage Fund.

Cabinet member for communities and wellbeing councillor Louise said: “I would like to thank Historic England and WREN for their grants and the many stakeholders involved that made it possible to restore this magnificent gateway which is considered to be one of the best examples of Greek revival architecture in the country.

“This project has restored the gateway to its former glory and has safeguarded it for future generations to enjoy.”

Heritage at Risk architect from Historic England Peter Barlow who supported the council in overseeing the implementation of the project said: “We are delighted to have supported Cheshire West and Chester in this project which has enabled the propylaeum to be removed from our register of historic buildings under threat”.

WREN’s grant manager for the FCC Heritage Fund Richard Smith said: “We are delighted to have made a funding contribution to such a worthwhile project. FCC Environment and WREN are dedicated to preserving the past for the benefit of generations to come.”

Vehicle access through the Propylaeum was closed during the much needed refurbishment work.

Following the success of the temporary entrance and exit on Castle Street to the court buildings and the University of Chester it has been decided to continue using this on a permanent basis.

The entrance through the propylaeum will be maintained for pedestrians and emergency access which will protect the refurbished structure providing a better opportunity to showcase one of Chester’s most significant Grade 1 listed heritage assets in its own right, rather than return it to its former role as a car park entrance.

Grosvenor Construction Ltd., specialist historic building conservation contractors worked with structural engineers, Chester based Ramboll specialists in the repair of historic structures.

The work was overseen by Historic England, to ensure a sympathetic restoration was carried out.