Maidstone Cemetery Chapel reopens following restoration project
Following several structural surveys that identified significant risks, the chapel closed in 2006
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has officially reopened the Grade II-listed Maidstone Cemetery Chapel, following a restoration programme that carried out repairs to the building and grounds over three years.
The council oversaw the restoration, which included structural repairs to the spire, replacement of a cast iron girdle around the steeple, full rewiring of the building, installation of replacement furniture and the re-pointing elevations and repair of sculptures.
Following several structural surveys that identified significant risks, the chapel closed in 2006. These surveys outlined the “urgent” need for the repairs which have now been completed.
The last burial service was held in the chapel on 27 January 2006. Since then, the MBC bereavement services team has been looking to reopen the chapel to “help families in difficult times of their lives”.
Originally opened in 1858, the chapel was designed by Peck and Stephens.
Cllr Martin Round, deputy mayor of Maidstone, said: “The work that has been carried out to restore this amazing chapel to its former glory is very impressive. I have personally been involved in this project from the early committee stages and have seen it through as a cabinet member.
“I am absolutely delighted to see the chapel come through to fruition and to know that it will be used for the people of Maidstone.”
As the adjoining cemetery carries out some 130 burials per year, the council believes that the chapel’s reopening will “allow mourners to hold services once again for their loved ones” in Maidstone.