WORKS to stabilise and restore Kiama's leaning memorial arch have been completed in time for Remembrance Day.
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The works on the arch, located in Hindmarsh Park, began in early September.
The Kiama arch was officially unveiled on April 25, 1925, by then NSW Premier Sir George Fuller, who was born in Kiama.
Concerns about the tilting arch were raised by the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch in 2012, but the lean has been traced back to 1953.
Kiama council said that despite a lean of two degrees, the 200-tonne structure was “sound and intact”.
However, investigations identified that the arch was built on uncontrolled fill, about six metres deep, in an area that used to be Kiama's tip.
During the work, 17 micro piles up to 16 metres long were installed by contractor Pan Civil to prevent the arch from leaning any further.
Four-metre wide platforms were installed either side of the arch to accommodate seating on special occasions.
The state government contributed $30,000 and the federal government $16,500 to the total cost of $265,485.
A separate contractor, Rightline Infrastructure, constructed a new stormwater pipe across Collins Street on the western side of Terralong Street.
“One of my fears was that some movement might occur during the project,” council’s acting general manager Bryan Whittaker said.
“We monitored consistently during the project and there wasn’t any movement at all during the construction of the project.
“It’s not going to be straightened, but it’s going to stay where it is.”
Kiama councillor Dennis Seage, also secretary of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch said the works were “money well spent”.
The RSL have also proposed that council build a deck around the back of the arch so residents could stand in the shade and enjoy greater comfort during future Anzac Day services.
Cr Seage said while they needed to establish a budget for the proposal, he was confident it would be completed by Anzac Day.
The RSL will be conducting a Remembrance Day service at the arch from 10.30am on November 11.