Restoration of historic buildings at the entrance to a 135-year-old cemetery is well under way at Scartho near Grimsby almost 15 years after the project was first considered.
Specialist contractors UK Restoration Services have been brought in for the work, involving a large set of cast iron gates, two chapels, a gatekeeper’s lodge, a waiting room, and an additional storage building, from reputable national firm , who continue to pour their knowledge and experience into the project.
Gavin Duffy, senior architectural technologist with North East Lincolnshire Council’s partner Equans, said: “We are about 95% of the way through this phase of work, which has been predominantly focussed on the restoration of the structure and fabric of the buildings.
“The chapels and former Victorian waiting rooms, which were last used in the 1990s, have seen a significant schedule of works, including roofing, stonemasonry, re-pointing, restoration of stained-glass windows, plastering and joinery, the restoration of the original tiled floors, windows and doors.
“This phase of work has seen an emphasis on making the buildings watertight, dealing with external fabric issues, ensuring rainwater is functional, and checking for any other deterioration in the buildings.
“Externally, all works on the lodge have been completed, included roofing, the replacement of windows, and brickwork has been repointed. Rainwater goods have been replaced using traditional cast iron and timber work has been restored to the original state. We have also replaced timber finials.
“All internal works re finished, including a new oak staircase, plastering all the walls and ceilings, adding a new ceiling cornice, new timber work, dado rails, picture rails, the original internal doors have been reinstated, and the original cast iron fireplaces re-instated.
“The only two remaining original windows acted as a template for the rest of the windows. We put these back into the restored lodge, including their glazing panels, and were also able to use the glazing panels to match the new windows.”
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “These are really important buildings and they will be a key asset for the local community going forward.
“They have a fascinating history, with waiting rooms for mourners attending the funerals, the lodge, where burials were registered, and the metal bar for tethering the horses from the funeral cortege. This remains to the side of the beautiful chapel buildings. The restoration team is doing a fantastic job, and we look forward to following progress as it continues into 2024.”
