A £300,000 funding package to help save historic catacombs in Anfield is recommended for approval by cabinet members today (13 November).

A £235,000 Heritage England grant, which would be supported by £55,000 of council funding, is expected to be accepted to bring new hope for the grade II-listed North and South catacombs at Anfield Cemetery – one of Liverpool City Council’s top heritage priorities.

Although some repair work has been carried out on the 1863-built red sandstone features in recent years, further work is needed to halt the deterioration of the fabric and structure.

Ahead of the meeting, the local authority’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, says: “Anfield Cemetery is a magnificent Victorian structure which not only has a fascinating history but is also a significant site for generations of Liverpool people.

“Sadly, parts of the site have fallen into disrepair over many decades, and what we want to do now is stop the deterioration at the catacombs while, in the longer term, we work with the Friends of Anfield Cemetery and other partners to secure external funding to restore them to their former glory.”

According to Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, the funding “complements the huge amount of work already underway as part of the Anfield Project to improve housing, create new job opportunities for the local community and complete the restoration of Stanley Park”,

 Tom Bradburn from the Friends of Anfield Cemetery, adds: “The proposed investment in the two large catacombs represents a major step forward towards fulfilling our aims, which are to get Anfield’s Grade II* cemetery off Historic England’s At Risk Register and building an international heritage and visitor centre, enabling us to serve the community and play a full part in the region’s heritage and cultural future.’’

If the funding is approved, work on the site is anticipated to start  in April 2016.

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