KNUTSFORD cemetery chapel has reopened after an extensive refurbishment.
The 120-year-old Grade II listed building has been transformed into a modern community venue.
Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner cut a ribbon at a special ceremony attended by guests, clergy and undertakers.
The chapel before it was refurbished
The chapel was built to create a new cemetery for Knutsford at the start of the 20th century and until 1974 was administered by Knutsford Urban District Council.
Following local government reorganisation in 1974, the chapel and cemetery were run by Macclesfield Borough Council.
The building was dilapidated and in need of renovation when it was handed back to the town council by Cheshire East Council in 2016.
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A structural survey highlighted £52,000 of essential structural maintenance as the building had peeling paintwork, stained floors and cracking plaster.
The Town Council secured £52,000 to fund renovations but set its aspirations higher for a full refurbishment to bring the chapel back into active use.
New water and electricity supplies were fitted and a kitchenette, accessible toilet and new heating installed.
The cemetery chapel has been transformed into a modern community venue
A thorough redecoration included repointing, stonework repairs, replastering, sanding and varnishing the parquet flooring.
Various repairs were undertaken to structural beams, gutters and drainpipes.
The majority of the old pews were removed to create a more flexible space with new lighting installed alongside fire and intruder alarms and a new sceptic tank.
An accessible toilet has been installed
The total cost of the renovations, including professional fees, was £145,000 with the £93,000 balance being drawn from the proceeds of the sale of the Cemetery Lodge in 2018.
The chapel is now available to hire for funerals and other suitable uses including remembrance services, community meetings and appropriate activities.
The chapel will be routinely open for visitors to the cemetery for quietly reflection.
Cllr Jan Nicholson, who oversaw the project as part of the cemetery working group said: “After many years of neglect, I am absolutely delighted with the refurbishment of the cemetery chapel, a project instigated by my late husband Clive and I am looking forward to seeing the chapel used by the community of Knutsford.
“Over several years our working group has toiled many hours to achieve and restore this wonderful chapel.”
During the works the council discovered the damaged remains of the original weathervane stored in the tower.
Plans are now underway to get this refurbished and reinstalled alongside the restoration and reinstallation of the chapel bell.
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