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New hope for historic
Anfield Cemetery catacombs
ALMOST £300,000 is set to be spent
preventing further decay at historic catacombs in Liverpool's Anfield Cemetery.
The North and South catacombs; made of red sandstone and Grade 2 listed; were
constructed in 1863, flanked by large Roman Catholic and Anglican Chapels which
no longer survive.
They have been deteriorating for many decades, and although some repair work has
been carried out in recent years, more is needed to halt the deterioration of
the fabric and structure.
Anfield Cemetery is one of the Council's top heritage priorities, and has more
than 20 buildings and structures of special interest.
A report to the Cabinet on Friday, 13 November 2015 has recommended the acceptance of a
grant of £235,000 from Historic England which will be supported with another
£55,000 of Council funding. The money will be used to stabilise the catacombs
and halt the deterioration while the funding necessary to protect the long term
future of the cemetery is sought.
Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said:-
"Anfield Cemetery is a magnificent Victorian structure which not only has a
fascinating history, but is also a significant site for generations of Liverpool
people.
Sadly, parts of the site have fallen into disrepair over many decades, and what
we want to do now is stop the deterioration at the catacombs while, in the
longer term, we work with the Friends of Anfield Cemetery and other partners to
secure external funding to restore them to their former glory.
The number of historically significant at risk buildings in the City is at a 24
year low thanks to our commitment to bringing back into use dilapidated and
rundown buildings."
The underground passageways beneath the structure were filled in during the
1990's to prevent access and stop thieves searching for lead and jewellery.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ann O'Byrne, said:- "This is part of our ongoing
commitment to reverse decades of underinvestment in Anfield.
It complements the huge amount of work already underway as part of the Anfield
Project to improve housing, create new job opportunities for the local community
and complete the restoration of Stanley Park."
Tom Bradburn from the Friends of Anfield Cemetery, said:- "Liverpool City
Council and Historic England have been brilliant, giving us their full support
throughout.
The proposed investment in the 2 large catacombs represents a major step
forward towards fulfilling our aims, which are to get Anfield's Grade II*
cemetery off Historic England's At Risk Register and building an International
Heritage and Visitor Centre, enabling us to serve the community and play a full
part in the region's heritage and cultural future."
If approved, it is anticipated that work will start in April 2016.
The full list of the Council's heritage priority buildings is as follows:-
► Wellington Rooms (also known as the Irish
Centre).
► St Luke's Church.
► Fruit Exchange - Victoria Street.
► Former Welsh Presbyterian Chapel.
► Eldon Grove.
► Everton Library.
► Anfield Cemetery.
► Lister Drive Library.
► Wellington Rooms.
► Greenbank Synagogue.
► Toxteth Park Cemetery Chapel.
► Hartley Village Factory buildings.
► Tobacco and South Warehouses - Stanley Dock.
► Westminster Road Fire Station.
► 35 to 39 Pembroke Place.
► Christ Church, Kensington.
► Gwalia, West Derby.
► Richmond Baptist Chapel.
► Allerton Tower - Stables and Laundry.
► Kiln Hey - West Derby.
► 12 to 14 Wellington Avenue.
► 57 to 65 Everton Road.
► Bankhall Street Warehouse.
► Fir Grove (42 to 50 Percy Street).
► Former Merseyside Deaf Centre.
► St James Church, Toxteth. |
