Leicester's first municipal cemetery, opened in 1849, is the third oldest in the country and is still in use today. This Grade II-listed cemetery had fallen into a poor state of repair. The project created a new visitor centre and an interpretation area on the site of the former chapels, with memorial plaques for 100 notable individuals buried there.

The cemetery contains classical headstones and monuments dedicated to prominent local people, such as Thomas Cook, John Ellis, Fielding Johnson, and Arthur Wakerley. As a unique green space close to the heart of Leicester, it offers peace and tranquillity for members of the public visiting graves or walking among the mature trees and the abundant flora and fauna.

Conservation work was completed on 44 memorials and headstones, and landscape improvements were made across the site encompassing new fencing, pathways, and planting. The cemetery won Green Flag status as a result of the project and this has been maintained at each review.

Since the project completed, the cemetery is now more accessible and has seen a growth in people who are interested in this natural heritage. The project led to a significant amount of local historical research being undertaken and several publications being produced, in part due to our support.