‘We want to preserve its history for many generations to come’
Works are to be carried out at The Northern Columbarium.(Image: Hull City Council)
Restoration works are set to take place at a historic Hull cemetery where tree roots and weather have affected the structure. For 90 years the Northern Columbarium, the walled area at Hull’s Northern Cemetery, has provided a place where the ashes of loved ones can be interred in vaults and sealed with plaques, in a tranquil setting, with rose trees and benches.
However, over the decades the key structure has suffered significantly from the effects of wind and rain, leading to some walls and columns becoming severely weathered. Other parts of the walled area have also been affected by tree roots.
As a result, the Columbarium is suffering from subsidence and its long-term structural integrity is now in question. Pathways are also lifting and cracking. So to make the structure and its surroundings safe, two phases of work are set to take place, starting with a survey of the area and essential pathway repairs. The second phase will see major repairs to the walls and structure.
The first phase is provisionally due to run from November 2026 to February 2027, with a two week break during Christmas. The timeframe for the second phase will be determined from the findings of phase one.
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Leaseholders of Columbarium vaults are receiving letters advising them that there may be limitations on accessing the Columbarium – either in part or in total – during the period of the works. Access may be restricted to maintain health and safety requirements while the work is ongoing.
They’ve also been told that there is the possibility that some of the necessary improvements may require some ashes to be temporarily removed and stored. Where that occurs, leaseholders will be contacted appropriately and kept fully informed of developments. Any work involving ashes being moved would be carried out by the Council’s dedicated experienced bereavement officers.
Letters sent by the council apologise to leaseholders for any distress this may cause. The council said that any leaseholders who do not receive a letter, including those who might have recently changed addresses, are urged to contact Hull Bereavement Services via a dedicated webform, telephoning 01482 614 976, or in person at the office at Chanterlands Crematorium to ensure contact details are up to date.
Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Community Safety, Councillor Ted Dolman, said: “The Northern Cemetery is a beautiful, historic and tranquil place, which provides an ideal setting for remembering those no longer with us.
“The Columbarium is a key part of this, providing above-ground vaults to inter the ashes of loved ones, which are sealed with a plaque.
“We want to preserve its history for many generations to come. This programme of works will do that, as well as making sure that it’s a lovely and safe place for everyone to visit and enjoy.”
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