The Portland cross stone replacement project was undertaken after the original stone was severely damaged during a storm in 2024. Following a full assessment, the stone was deemed unrepairable and unsafe to be returned to its original position in situ. Given the historical significance of the cross, a full replacement was the only viable option.

The original stone was estimated to be around 140 years old, making accuracy and respect for traditional craftsmanship essential. Rather than producing a modern interpretation, the decision was made to create a like-for-like replacement that closely replicated the original in both form and character.

Traditional stonemasonry methods were used throughout the process. This included hand-carving techniques consistent with those that would have been used at the time the original cross was created.