Plan to repair Westgate Hall and other Southampton sites

Civic chiefs have obtained the funding needed to repair Westgate Hall, two ancient cellars, and the remains of a 15th century house at Town Quay.

The city council has submitted separate planning applications to enhance the three sites.

Westgate Hall is a timber-framed wedding venue next to an ancient arch that forms part of Southampton's medieval town walls.

Westgate Hall is one of three historic structures that are set to undergo repairs (Image: Newsquest)

People who have passed through it include soldiers on their way to Agincourt in 1415 and the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed from Southampton to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620.

Also known as the Tudor Merchant's Hall, Westgate Hall was built in 1417 and originally stood in nearby St Michael's Square.

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After becoming derelict in the 17th century, it was moved piece by piece to its present site, where it is thought to have been used to store salt.

In 1890 the building was acquired by what was then the borough council, which used it as a museum store.

Ancient cellars that formed part of two building in the High Street are also set to undergo repairs (Image: Newsquest)

After being restored in the 1970s it became a lecture theatre known as the Tudor Merchant's Hall. It was later renamed Westgate Hall and formed part of the Tudor House and Garden project.

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Two ancient cellars at 90 and 91 High Street are also set to undergo repairs.

The planning application says: "All the buildings at the junction of High Street and Porters Lane were destroyed during the Blitz in 1940, leaving the vaults and cellars beneath exposed."

The site was cleared and the cellars filled in. They were partially excavated in 1971 and further excavated on three other occasions.

The remain of a 15th century house at Town Quay are also set to undergo repairs (Image: Newsquest)

Another application relates to the remains of a 15th century house that was converted into a seven-storey warehouse in the 1830s. It was destroyed during the Blitz and a cafe was built within the ruins.

Darren Paffey, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen: said: “Southampton’s rich history means that we're incredibly lucky to have inherited some precious and irreplaceable buildings in the city.

“Some of these sites are feeling their age, and need significant repairs and restoration, so I’m really pleased to see this investment to protect and preserve them, so we can pass them on to future generations to enjoy.”

Cllr Lorna Fielker, leader of the city council, added: “We are proud of and committed to preserving and enhancing Southampton’s rich history and heritage and I’m delighted that in the Spring we will be commencing phase 3 of the Heritage Asset Repair Programme (HARP).

“This is focused on repairing and making accessible the nationally significant heritage buildings within the Council’s care.

“We are also co-investing in the repair of the art gallery roof in the Grade II* listed Civic Centre to protect and preserve our internationally renowned fine art collection, with a grant received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), which is administered by Arts Council England.

“Southampton’s distinctive and diverse heritage is a critical part of telling our story and provides a vibrant backdrop for developing Southampton as a ‘must-see’ destination that supports the local economy and businesses.

“It is a key feature of our Renaissance Vision which was launched on Friday 14 February, and it is our intention to ensure that it is embedded in the regeneration of the city and plans for the future.

“The next phase of works will include works to the Bargate, North Town Walls and Polymomd Tower. It also includes works to Tudor House, Westgate Hall and numerous medieval vaults.”