A section of Chester’s historic city walls are closed for work to repair and rebuild steps at Northgate.

The section from Morgan’s Mount to the Northgate Bridge steps will be shut for an unspecified period although it is hoped the work will be finished within six months.

The steps had been propped since 2011 after a series of surveys found the structure was moving and further monitoring was needed.

Investigation work discovered that the steps were built over a soft Roman rampart and more solid foundations were needed.

The steps will be carefully dismantled and rebuilt, under archaeological supervision, on a new piled foundation to allow the existing propping to be removed.

New handrails and lighting will also be added to improve access to the walls, together with waterproofing to protect the wall core.

Visitors to the city walls will be guided off and back on to the walls, around the closed section, by means of helpful footprints stencilled onto the floor with degradable paint.

Work has begun to repair Northgate steps on Chester City Walls: the stencil that will guide people off the closed section of the walls
The stencil that will guide people off the closed section of the walls

Work may need to be suspended from time to time for consultation with archaeologists and Historic England, and to make any necessary modifications to the design of the new foundations.

History of the North Gate

The North Gate was once the site of a complex structure consisting of towers, a gaol and dungeon. It was in use for 700 years and demolished in 1808. The construction of the new classical gate, designed by Thomas Harrison, began the same year. It appears that the steps were a later addition to the design and they were first mentioned in a city guidebook in 1828.

Cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure Brian Clarke said: “Residents and businesses on Water Tower Street and King Street have been advised of these works and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while the work is carried out.

“It will be difficult to be certain about how long the works will take because of buried archaeology, which will only come to light as the steps are dismantled. However, it is expected that the work will be complete by the end of October.”