We last reported in November 2025 on progress with the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) project at West Norwood Cemetery and on other issues. The objectives of the NHLF project were to conserve the Cemetery’s magnificent landscape and built structures and improve access, as well as provide facilities to increase community use and to continue to offer visitor experiences.
Following a meeting of the Cemetery Strategic Partnership Board (SPB) on 15 April 2026 we can now provide an update on the project and other issues.
Robson entrance
We are pleased to be able to report at last that the works to provide this top priority project for the local community are now well advanced. Further slippage occurred after our last update report but works started on site in mid-February and continue. Substantial ground works have been started, electricity works completed and the path kerb replacement works are underway. A section of the existing Robson Road brick wall is about to be removed in order to form the entrance.
The expected site visit for members of the SPB (due in February) has yet to be provided. We are advised the entrance is now due to be open by the end of May 2026.
The plans now provided to us show that the previously approved scheme has been revised to:
- No longer undertake works to the boundary fence with Parkhall Business Centre
- Move the electricity plant and build a new cabinet to the other side of the gate
- No longer re-position the lamp column from its current location on Robson Road
- Move the grit bin and signage on Robson Road
- Redesign the metal entrance gate.
The drawing below shows the design of the entrance. The outcomes of a further road safety audit are awaited but we have been assured that any necessary works can be funded from the current budget.
The new entrance will provide much-improved access and enable visits to and journeys through the grounds, as well as give easier out of hours access for events held at the nearby St. Stephen’s Chapel.
An event to mark the opening of the Robson gate is being discussed, and we will publicise the arrangements when these have been finalised.
Visitor Centre
The visitor centre is typically open on Tuesdays (12noon – 3pm) and the website and onsite notice boards have up to date information. The tall green flag outside the Visitor Centre indicates it is open.
Hubbard entrance
There has been some confusion on Cemetery operating times following the opening of Hubbard gate, and we have asked for new permanent signage to be installed confirming the seasonal opening and closing times for all Cemetery gates and that last entry is 15 minutes before closing times:
April to October: Weekdays: 8am to 6pm; Weekends/Bank Holidays: 10am to 6pm
November to March: Weekdays: 8am to 4pm; Weekends/Bank Holidays: 10am to 4pm; Christmas Day: 10am to 2.30pm
Memorial benches policy
Locations for the installation of new benches under the new Memorial Bench scheme are under discussion. Benches will be painted “Norwood Spice”.
Tree works
We have been informed of a number of trees that are to be removed because they are dying or dead, and others that are to be pruned following storm damage. The tree team will check for nesting birds before works commence. If any evidence of nesting is found, works will stop immediately and further guidance will be sought from the council’s ecologist.
