As one phase of the impressive restoration at West Norwood Cemetery draws to a close, planning is already underway for the next stage in preserving and celebrating this extraordinary historic site.

Following the recent formal opening events - which marked the completion of key works including the restoration of the Hubbard Road entrance, sixteen monuments on the heritage at risk register and the beautiful St Stephen’s Chapel, and the conversion of the Lodge into the Visitor Centre,- attention now turns to both new access improvements and the next round of heritage restoration.

The Cemetery was brought to life during the opening celebrations with art exhibitions, performances and poetry readings that demonstrated the potential of St. Stephen's Chapel, the Visitor Centre and the Cemetery as a whole as community and cultural venues. These events were a fitting tribute to the dedication and care that has gone into the cemetery’s renewal so far.

What’s next?
The project’s overseeing board, the West Norwood Cemetery Strategic Partnership Board, is now focused on the timely completion of the new Robson Road entrance for which a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant is in place. This build project is scheduled to be completed in October this year but there is concern this deadline will not be achieved and so an opening date cannot be advised at this time. As part of the preparations, a bat survey will be conducted to ensure that any existing roosts are not disturbed during the works - an important measure to protect the site’s ecological as well as architectural heritage. Also, the evaluation of the George Dodd MP Monument project continues - a NLHF grant is also in place for this project.
 
Looking further ahead, another funding bid will centre on further critical areas of the cemetery in need of restoration. The main priorities might include:

• The Catacombs, one of the cemetery’s most significant and complex structures
• Additional individual graves, each with their own historical importance
• Further infrastructure works - paths, drainage etc. 

While much has already been achieved, West Norwood Cemetery’s rich heritage means there is still much more to do. With continued community support, funding, and careful planning, the site will develop further as a place of remembrance and reflection, and also a space that welcomes learning, biodiversity and cultural events for generations to come.