National Highways volunteers have resurfaced the courtyard at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, as part of community work linked to the M3 Junction 9 upgrade.
The team replaced the courtyard’s worn gravel surface with new materials during two days of work. The organisation said the improvement would help keep the historic site safe and accessible while supporting its preservation.
Community benefits
Daniel Kittredge, National Highways senior project manager, said: “As audiences fall in love with Sense and Sensibility all over again, our work at Jane Austen’s House ensures the real-world landscapes that inspired her novels remain vibrant and accessible.
“Our M3 Junction 9 upgrade is not just about improving road journeys but also investing in the local culture and heritage that makes Hampshire so unique.”
Lizzie Dunford, director at Jane Austen’s House, said: “We’re so grateful for the work the National Highways team carried out at Jane Austen’s House.
“It was wonderful to see such an improvement to our courtyard, which is a favourite part of the site for our visitors.”
The work was funded through National Highways’ Community Legacy Fund, which has supported other organisations near the junction scheme. Projects have included pond lining, fence repairs and roof replacement at Bassy’s Barn, a petting farm for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The fund has also supported chalk grassland and wildflower planting at St Catherine’s Hill in Winchester, donations and fundraising for Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices, Trinity Winchester’s Big Sleep Out, and catering from local not-for-profit organisation Much Catering.
M3 Junction 9 upgrade
National Highways says the M3 Junction 9 project is needed to support the construction of 2,000 homes in Winchester. It is expected to improve peak-time journey reliability, with journeys through the junction to the A272 forecast to be almost 30% faster.
The organisation also says drivers travelling between the M3 and A34 will save more than 20% of their overall journey time during peak hours.
The scheme includes more than 22 acres of new chalk grassland and additional routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.