An arts group has launched its efforts to transform an iconic arch in Reading into a space for arts, heritage and the community.

The Cemetery Junction Arch dates back to the 1840s, and its interior used to house a police station.

Now, a community group is seeking funds to transform it into a heritage and arts centre.

Local arts group Junction Arch Heritage and Arts (JAHA) has revealed its plans for the arch, which involve restoring it and using rooms inside of it for heritage and art exhibitions and space for community groups.

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JAHA has been given 18 months to raise funds to buy the Arch, restore its exterior, and turn it into a venue that will bring in the money needed to maintain it.

JAHA’s plans also involve building a new garden cafe and a meeting room which could be used as a gallery behind the arch.

Matt Rodda Labour MP for Reading East, is seeking residents views on the JAHA’s proposal.

Mr Rodda said: “The Cemetery Arch is one of the most important historic buildings in the town.

“At the moment it’s empty as it’s no longer a police post.

“There are plans for it to be restored and used by the community, and I’m interested in learning more about local people’s views of this proposal.

“Please do fill in my survey if you’ve got an opinion on this important matter.”

You can take part in the survey on Mr Rodda’s website here.

Explaining his group’s mission, JAHA project co-ordinator Nick Charles Cooksey said: “We’re currently waiting for the council to send us an updated version of the terms document that we need to agree on and sign before the 18 months clock starts ticking.

“We’re optimistic that we will be happy with the revised version, following a very positive meeting with Planning officers and Bereavement Services.

“Our plans have evolved over the past couple of years, in response to feedback from the council and the local community.

“We look forward to seeing how people respond to Matt Rodda’s survey and will feed the findings into the bid for a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant that we’re planning to submit soon.

“Restoring the Arch and preserving it for the future is our top priority.

Reading Chronicle: The Cemetery Junction Arch The Cemetery Junction Arch

“We have become increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of the building, so will be prioritising essential repairs to the stonework and damp prevention in our funding application.

“Once we’ve got the necessary funds in place we’re confident that the council will agree to us taking on the 250 year lease so we can finally start work to bring this iconic structure back to its former glory.”

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Previously, there were suggestions to build a food court near the archway which would have been run by Blue Collar food market, but that plan has since been dropped in favour of a garden cafe.