Leicester City Council has submitted a planning application to restore the deteriorating Rialto Bridge, a Grade II-listed structure dating back to the 1850s. Located outside the Corn Exchange in Market Place, the bridge has been closed to the public for over a year due to structural safety concerns.
A recent condition survey by Churchill Specialist Contracting confirmed urgent repair work is needed. Water damage has caused significant decay to the stone cladding, and previous restoration attempts in the 1990s were found to be poorly executed, leading to instability.
The council aims to carry out the works between summer and autumn, estimating a timeline of five to six months. The restoration will require specialist contractors and is expected to be funded, at least in part, through a grant from Historic England.
The survey recommends implementing a 10-year maintenance plan to ensure long-term preservation. This plan would include routine actions such as vegetation removal and redecoration to prevent recurring issues.
The bridge was added to Historic England’s “heritage at risk” register in November due to its deteriorating condition. The council’s planning portal is hosting a public consultation on the repair proposal until Friday, 9 May.
