Portsmouth City Council Invests in Cemetery Heritage Projects

Strategic Insights -

Portsmouth City Council is undertaking significant projects across the city's cemeteries to improve their environment, care for historic structures, and provide more burial space in the future. The council's heritage strategy prioritizes the preservation of important historic sites, including the Dissenters Chapel in Highland Road Cemetery and the West Chapel in Kingston Cemetery. Repairs are also being made to the Milton Cemetery Lodge, which will be dismantled due to safety concerns and lack of practicality in restoring it. An ecological survey has been conducted to minimize disruption to wildlife habitats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The council has invested almost £14.5 million in heritage projects across the city since 2012.
  • The Dissenters Chapel in Highland Road Cemetery is a Grade II listed building designed by Thomas Ellis-Owen, and repairs are being made to the roof, walls, and rendering.
  • The West Chapel in Kingston Cemetery is a Grade II listed neo-Gothic building that will be restored with an investment of £200,000, bringing it back into use.
  • The Milton Cemetery Lodge will be dismantled due to safety concerns and lack of practicality in restoring it.
  • The space where the lodge stood will be used for burials, with an ecological survey conducted to minimize disruption to wildlife habitats.
  • Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, emphasized the importance of the council's heritage strategy in protecting and preserving historic buildings.

Statistics:

  • £14.5 million invested in heritage projects across the city since 2012.
  • £65,000 spent on repairing the Dissenters Chapel in Highland Road Cemetery.
  • £200,000 allocated for restoring the West Chapel in Kingston Cemetery.
  • £110 million cut from the council's budget over the last 15 years.

Sources:

  • Portsmouth City Council, UK Government.