Redland City Council has started upgrade works at the historic Cleveland Cemetery.
Mayor Karen Williams said the works would ensure the community could continue to comfortably reflect and honour their loved ones within the cemetery.
“The works will include the installation of a lychgate structure and columbarium walls at the Clarke Street entrance, a reconstruction of the Randall Walls and Garden and the addition of a shelter and formalised pathways,” Cr Williams said.
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“The project is expected to take four months to complete but has been scheduled to have minimal impact on people using and visiting the cemetery during that time.
“Importantly, there will be no changes to public funeral and interment services or visits to graves and monuments.”
Cr Williams said the upgrade would help preserve the 148-year-old cemetery for future generations.
“The works include the installation of a lychgate which is a replica of the one placed at the Clarke Street entrance in 1927.
“The original lychgate was commissioned by George Randall of Birkdale in memory of his wife and two sons and was modelled on the gates of St Martin’s Church, Canterbury in England.
“It was removed in 1998 due to a white ant infestation.
“The new lychgate will include two new granite columbarium walls which will increase capacity for the interment of cremated remains.”
Cr Williams said the Randall Walls and Garden would also be reconstructed.
“During construction the cremated remains will be recovered and held in safekeeping at a Council facility, and will be interred into their original location once the reconstructed walls are completed.
“Some stakeholders have chosen to have their family or friend’s remains returned to them during this construction phase.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgrades would not only address concerns over the condition of the Randall Walls and Garden, but would also improve access to and amenity of the cemetery.
“Concrete pathways will replace the current gravel paths from the Clarke Street entrance to the Randall Walls, improving safety for visitors,” Cr Mitchell said.
“The area will also include a new shelter with a table and seating, which will provide a spot where people can sit and reflect.
“Another welcome addition to the Garden is the planting of six Blueberry Ash trees which will offer shade.
“Temporary fencing will be in place to restrict access to the construction area, but burials will not be impacted.
“Plans are in place to halt works during burial services and Council officers will be working closely with the construction team to ensure disruptions are kept to a minimum.”
The Cleveland Cemetery upgrade is expected to be completed by late-June, weather permitting.
A new lawn burial section is also expected to open along Clarke Street before the end of the year.
For more information on the upgrade, visit Council’s Your Say page.
