Wrexham Cemetery Heritage Lottery Fund Works Begin

Extensive improvement works to restore a historic Wrexham cemetery is underway.

The major works currently being undertaken at Wrexham Cemetery will see improvements made to the Victorian section of the building and refurbishment of the gates and fencing.

Work will also be carried out on the Grade 2 Chapel Buildings and Lodge.

Grosvenor Construction has been appointed as the contractor and Harrison Design Development, the managing agent for the works. Lawray Architects are supervising the building refurbishment.

The work has been funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant of £1.2 million, which Wrexham Council were successful in winning in 2015.

Richard Bellamy, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales said:

 “Thanks to National Lottery players, Wrexham Cemetery will be conserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

“This is an example of how community heritage can be adapted and managed to meet the needs of today.

“As well as maintaining the Victorian buildings, the project will preserve an important green space in a very urban area which will be of benefit to all of us who enjoy spending time in the fresh air.”

The cemetery, which is on the register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Wales, is one of the finest examples of a Victorian cemetery in Wales – with a well preserved “gardenesque” cemetery landscape typical of the time it was created.

Currently the buildings are on the at risk register of the local authority and is in urgent need of restoration and improvement.

The works will see the restoration of the Grade II chapels and lodge that have been closed to the public due to safety concerns. There will also be works to the grounds, paths, entrance areas and listed fencing which will improve access whilst retaining the gardenesque quality of the cemetery.

Welcoming the restoration works, 

Local Member for the Offa area, Cllr Alun Jenkins, said:
“I have been very supportive of this project and am very pleased that work is now underway to restore the cemetery to one of the finest examples of a Victorian garden cemetery in Wales.

“Restoration of the Grade 2 listed building, railings and gates and the improvements to be made to the paths will enhance the visitor experience and the attractiveness of the site alongside one of the major entrances into Wrexham.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for the £1.2 million grant which has made this project possible.”

Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member, Environment and Transport added: “I am very pleased works are progressing and look forward to the opening of the refurbished Cemetery in the spring.”

Christmas is a very busy time for the Cemetery and due to the works, access is very limited onsite and parking outside the cemetery is restricted.

Vehicular access to the cemetery is through the Bersham Road entrance. Vehicular access is only for Blue Badge holders and visitors will need to be patient and wait for the onsite attendant to allow them to use the cemetery pathways. This is dependent on the number of cars onsite.

If there is a funeral taking place you will need to wait until this has been completed. Please follow the instructions of the onsite cemetery attendant.

Accessing the cemetery on foot, during the Christmas period only from 21st December to 3rd of January 2017 visitors will be able to use the Ruabon Road entrance, during the cemetery opening hours of 10am – 4pm. The Bersham Road entrance will also be open to pedestrians.

Wrexham Council apologises for any inconvenience, but it is necessary to manage the restricted access as safely as possible during the building works.