Mayflower Steps restoration works

The Mayflower Steps in the Barbican area of Plymouth mark the point from which the Pilgrim Fathers are believed to have embarked aboard The Mayflower to settle in North America in 1620.

Wear and tear from weather and tides resulted in the steps needing some maintenance work to restore them to their former glory.

The steps are a listed structure and popular attraction for tourists and local residents alike. They were closed to the public for some months, but they have now been restored and are once again available for the public to use as a landing and loading point. All commercial and pleasure boat services will continue to use The Barbican landing stage.

News

• Mayflower Steps re-open to public following refurbishment [17 August 2011]
• Repair work set to begin on Plymouth's Mayflower Steps [19 July 2011]

Why these works were needed and what has being done?

The steps have been closed to the public for health and safety reasons due to their deteriorating condition. The steps are not only a historical landmark, but they also act as a flood defence for the Barbican area. Plymouth Transport and Highways worked over a number of months to develop the refurbishment plans and secure capital funding from the Environment Agency to refurbish the historic landmark. Take a look at the photo gallery to see the restoration take place.

Works that were carried out include:

• Reconstruction of the granite steps
• Replacement and repair of wall masonry
• Other repairs to the concrete steps (including grouting of cracks)
• Repainting of handrails

All works complied with the necessary planning and historic building regulations.

How were these works being funded?

Following a successful bidding process, £117,000 was awarded to Plymouth Transport and Highways by the Environment Agency for carrying out these essential repair works.

How long did the works take?

To make sure the steps were available to the public again as soon as possible, a tight restoration schedule was developed. Works started on Wednesday 20 July and were scheduled for completion by Friday 2 September, however the work was completed ahead of schedule and the steps were re-opened to the public on Friday 12 August. This means the steps are back in use well before the start of the America's Cup World Series.