£200k plan to bring historic chapel back into community use

The application for the West Chapel sets out extensive repair works planned for the long-derelict building, including replacing the roof, rebuilding unstable walls and restoring damaged stonework.

Council documents say the works include a new slate roof, dismantling and rebuilding an unstable gable wall and repointing galleted flintwork.

The chapel has not been used for its original purpose for many years and later fell out of use as a storage space.

Planning papers note that, going forward, the “chapel may be repurposed for community use, but what form this will take is not known”.

Significant structural issues have been identified. Plans confirm the gable wall is currently supported and will be taken down and rebuilt, while collapsing buttresses will also be reconstructed.

Repairs will aim to preserve the building’s historic character. Original materials, including flints and some slate, will be salvaged where possible, with replacements carefully matched.

The design statement adds: “The West Chapel is Grade II listed and there is no intention to significantly alter the building other than to undertake repairs.”

Further works include replacing vandalised windows, installing new rainwater goods and upgrading electrics. Access to the building will remain unchanged.

The listed building consent application was submitted by the council as part of a £200,000 plan to bring the space back into community use.

Kingston Cemetery opened in early January 1856. The cemetery and its buildings were designed by architect George Rake, under the supervision of board surveyor Charles B. Smith.

It was extended in 1866, 1878, and 1889, eventually expanding to cover 52 acres, reaching New Road to the north and George Street to the west.

The first burial was a Mr. Benjamin, and a plot was later named in his honour. A monument near the St. Mary’s Road entrance commemorates the men killed when a boiler exploded aboard HMS Thunderer in 1876.