Public to have say on Agecroft Chapel as historic cemetery hosts free open day

Salford residents have been invited to visit one of the city’s most historic sites for free, and can have a say in its future.

On 21 September, Agecroft Cemetery is set to open its doors and grant residents exclusive access to the site through guided tours of the crematorium, historical displays, literature, and a question-and-answer session with the Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust. Light refreshments will also be provided free of charge to all visitors.

This is all part of Heritage Open Days, a nationwide event that offers free access to sites every year. The campaign is one of England’s biggest voluntary cultural events and manages to attract 800,000 people every year.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council, said: “This is a perfect opportunity to join us for a day of discovery at Agecroft Cemetery, which originally opened in 1903. You can find out more about the history on your doorstep and connect with the past of this great city.

“A huge thank you must go to the Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust, who have worked so hard with council officers to make this event happen.”

The council is also inviting local people to come forward and have their say on the future of Agecroft Cemetery Chapel.

Agecroft Cemetery Chapel is a nationally important Grade II listed building, which was constructed through an architectural competition when the cemetery was laid out in 1903. The chapel is currently unused, and no viable plan for its reuse has been established.

But Salfordians have the chance to set the ball rolling and pitch ideas for the future of the chapel as Salford City Council plans to host a drop-in event on Wednesday, 15 October, running from 4pm to 6pm in the council chamber at Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road.

There will be an opportunity to discuss the community’s wishes for the building and to find out more about getting involved.

There will also be the chance to meet the head of the Heritage Trust North West, who brings a wealth of experience from other similar projects.

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure at Salford City Council, said: “The chapel is in poor condition and we know there is strong support to bring it back to life again.

It could be transformed into a variety of uses, including a cafe, community space for events and meetings or for exhibitions, but most importantly as a building for the community.

“The council have some proposals for the chapel, and have been seeking funding, but so far have been unsuccessful. Therefore, we are asking local people to come forward to try and shape its future. This is vital if we are to save this much-loved and prominent Salford landmark. The event is being publicised through local networks and on social media.

“We want local people who want to make a difference to come together with us, so please attend the event if you are interested. It is a historically significant building in our city, and we’d love to see it back into use.”