THE historic landmark statue of Queen Victoria at the heart of Blackburn’s new Cathedral Quarter is now complete following the restoration of her arm and hand.
The refurbished limb was re-attached to the 110-year-old Carrera marble figure at the weekend by specialist stonemasons.
The process, which had to be delayed by five days to ensure a perfect fit, took place as the work continues quickly to complete the gardens surrounding her.
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Blackburn with Darwen Council has announced that the new six-storey One Cathedral Square office block will officially open on Thursday, November 12.
The 60-bed Premier Inn next door is currently being fitted out by the chain’s interior designers and is on target to open its doors on or even before its target date of Saturday November 7. The new hotel will include a public ‘Thyme’ Restaurant, providing 60 new jobs for the town.
Steve Rawlinson, site manager for main contractors Eric Wright Construction, said: “I’m delighted that the arm and hand are finally back on Queen Victoria.
“This is a very special statue and the job had to be done properly.”
Before the end of the month, more turf, flowers, shrubs and new young trees will join their protected older sisters around the cathedral.
Mr Rawlinson said: “We cannot plant the new trees until November when they have stopped growing and are ready to take their place over the winter. There have been the normal up and downs but this contract has gone remarkably smoothly. I have really enjoyed it and after two years I am going to miss Blackburn.”
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