The conservation body Historic England has announced that West Norwood Cemetery, including the Chapel, is no longer at risk and can be removed from its Heritage at Risk Register this year.
The “huge achievement” follows the completion of extensive conservation works across the memorial landscape – including to the Grade II* listed St Stephen’s Chapel, which is now available as a venue for hire.
The £7.2 million restoration of one of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ most historic cemeteries, was made possible by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Lambeth Council, and a contribution from the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery. The six-year programme of work, carried out in close partnership with the local community, included:
- The restoration of St Stephen’s Chapel, the site’s largest Grade II* listed mausoleum
- The conservation of 17 at-risk listed monuments
- A new visitor centre and community space at the refurbished Lodge building
- Major upgrades to drainage, roads, and pathways
- A long-term maintenance and management plan to protect the 40-acre Grade II listed landscape
Cllr Natalie Kane, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council, and Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture, said: “West Norwood Cemetery is a beautiful place, with historic, cultural and archaeological significance for the whole of our borough.
“Removing it from the at-risk register is a testament to the hard work and commitment of many people over many years, including at the council and our partners in the community, who refused to let it fall into disrepair. I am delighted that this huge restoration project has preserved and protected West Norwood Cemetery – and returned this valued space to its former glory.”
Historic England assesses sites for Heritage at Risk (HAR) to gauge the overall state of the country’s historic sites. The process identifies sites that are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development, and includes them on a Heritage at Risk Register which is updated every year.
The removal of the West Norwood Cemetery Conservation Area from the Heritage at Risk Register this year marks 190 years since the cemetery was established under the South Metropolitan Cemetery Act of 1836.
Stuart McLeod from the Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted that West Norwood Cemetery has now been removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
“It is a fantastic achievement made possible through the commitment of many partners, including Historic England and Lambeth Council. This milestone demonstrates the impact that long-term investment and collaborative working can have in securing the future of our historic spaces for generations to come.”
