MAJOR works to repair and preserve one of Southampton’s most iconic landmarks for generations to come have today been given the green light.

The Bargate is critically acclaimed as one of Britain’s finest town gateways welcoming residents and visitors to Southampton for over 800 years.

Now the ancient monument will undergo significant restoration works beginning next month to tackle major water damage and to robustly waterproof it.

Southampton City Council has appointed West Sussex-based Chichester Stoneworks to take over the project which is estimated to take 20 weeks to complete.

In 2014, the council earmarked £250,000 for the works.

The Bargate is currently suffering from water ingress on the battlement parapet, which is then passing down inside the thick stone walls dissolving the ancient lime mortar.

This has been caused by the use of Portland cement mortar in 1912, when the parapet was rebuilt.

Portland cement was also used on the front face of the building in the 1930s and this hard cement is trapping the water, causing the stones to decay.

The parapet will be waterproofed and the old repointing will be cut out, with all work using lime mortar as in the original construction.

• Above Bar from 1890 to today - in pictures >>

Once the building has dried out, the stone shields can then be repaired and repainted.

Temporary shields will be fitted whilst this work is carried out, so the look of the historically important building is preserved.

The work is due to be completed in July depending on weather conditions.

Previously, the city council announced a long term plans reconnect the Bargate to the old town walls.

This link was broken in the 1930s to help with traffic flo.

City councillor Satvir Kaur, said: "The Bargate has stood in Southampton for over eight centuries, and over time has become an integral part of our city's identity.

"This vital work shows the council's commitment to maintaining Southampton's unique heritage, and I think its brilliant we can ensure that this important monument is restored so that residents, visitors and future generations can to continue to enjoy it for many years to come".

Chichester Stoneworks' team have extensive experience in working with Scheduled Ancient Monuments, and have previously supplied and installed restoration stonework on a range of prestigious projects.

These include The Royal Palaces, The Quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and many more in the City of London.