Sheffield General Cemetery is one of the most complete examples of a garden cemetery in the UK. The cemetery closed to burials in 1978, and is now a Grade II* registered park and garden. It is also a local nature reserve, providing a green oasis close to the city centre. 

Sheffield City Council worked closely with Sheffield General Cemetery Trust and local residents to deliver the project. Important heritage features were repaired and conserved, including the remarkable Grade II listed catacombs that date from 1836.

New engagement activities tell the rich stories of Sheffield and its inhabitants, including its global connections, industrial success and invention, inspirational women, football and confectionary. The project has connected new audiences to the cemetery, raising its profile as a heritage visitor destination within the city and beyond. 

Dave Hunt, Chair of Sheffield General Cemetery Trust, said: “Completion of the significant repair and conservation works to the Cemetery Heritage Park has been eagerly awaited by the 95 volunteers and staff of Sheffield General Cemetery Trust – the organisation originally set up by local residents almost 35 years ago to start the enormous task of bringing the cemetery back from dereliction.”  

The project was part of our Parks for People programme, which aimed to revitalise historic parks and cemeteries in the UK.