CIVIC chiefs have agreed a deal to protect the long-term future of one of Winchester’s most important landmarks.

The city council will sign a 40-year lease with bicycle charity Sustrans which sees the charity take over maintenance of the Hockley Viaduct.

It follows Sustrans teaming up with the council to on a £500,000 project to repair the Victorian railway structure last year and add it to the National Cycle Network.

Cabinet rubber stamped the lease at a meeting last Wednesday, where Cllr Victoria Weston, portfolio holder for built environment, said it was a great deal for the council.

She said: “The lease is 40 years long at £1 per annum which is great value for the council. Sustrans will inspect the structure and maintain it in a good condition for the period of the lease. They will be excellent custodians of the viaduct.”

The council will pay Sustrans £120,000 as a contribution towards the long-term maintenance of the structure but Cllr Weston confirmed there was a payback clause in case of a major fault that cannot be repaired.

The viaduct was officially made part of the cycle network in February and was opened by Hampshire-based Olympic gold-medallist Dani King.

The brick and concrete structure is more than 600 metres long and has 33 arches.