Architecture Update: Albert's pounds 11m repairs

THE Albert Memorial, which has been hidden from view for the past six years, is to be restored at a cost of pounds 11m, Peter Brooke, the Secretary of State for National Heritage, has announced. Conservationists were outraged last year when Norman Lamont, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, said the Government would not fund repairs to the 55ft-high iron and stone canopy. English Heritage says it will contribute pounds 1m to the restoration from its maintenance budget for lower grade monuments. The Royal Parks will contribute pounds 4m.