The placing of a 3-foot copper and gold weather vane at the top of Christchurch Spire marks the completion of a project to restore one of Coventry’s three famous spires to its former glory.

The restoration project for the 14^th Century Grey Friars Spire, will help safeguard it’s future for the next 100 years. The top 30 feet of the 211 feet Spire in New Union Street has been removed and replaced, a skilful process involving the removal of steelwork, replacing stonework, and installation of the new weather vane.

The heritage Lottery Fund and Coventry City Council have jointly financed the £270,000 restoration work.

Councillor Bob Waugh, Co-ordinator of the City Council’s Economic Affairs Policy Co-ordinating Committee said:

"The completion of their work is further step towards the transformation of the three historic Spires and demonstrates the commitment of the City Council and its partners to enhance the valuable heritage of our city."

Councillor Waugh added,

"The next stage is to complete the lighting projects for the three Spires which will be truly spectacular. I believe Coventry people will be inspired and justly proud of its heritage."

The restoration work was carried out for the City Council by Church Conservation Ltd, under the direction of specialist Architects, The Brown Matthews Partnership based in Warwick.

Mark King, an architect based with the Brown Matthews Partnership, said:

"We are pleased to have been associated with such a prestigious project and one that it is very important to the city.

"The restored Spire will ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate it in its original form for some considerable time."