Abney Park Cemetery
Hackney Council is pleased to confirm that It will resume management of Abney Park Cemetery when the Abney Park Trust's lease comes to an end on 20 May 2015, the 175th anniversary of the cemetery's opening.
Agreement in principle has been reached where the Trust will continue to have close involvement in an educational and community capacity, through the delivery of an activities and events programme, and will continue to receive a Council grant in order to carry out this work.
Hackney Council has a proven record of maintaining excellent parks and green spaces – as demonstrated by the 17 Green Flags it was recently awarded. The Council has ambitious plans for Abney Park, which include the recruitment of a park manager and the development of proposals for a programme of investment, which includes repairs to the chapel and a bid for Heritage Lottery Funding.
The knowledge and enthusiasm of the Trust will continue to be of huge benefit to Abney Park, through the Trust’s ongoing role in delivering activities and events in the park. We intend to work closely with the Trust towards a longer term goal of them being well placed to take on full management of Abney Park in the future
The Abney Park Trust said “We are proud of our achievements over the past 23 years in maintaining and improving the Cemetery. The new arrangements will address the very significant challenges ahead and we look forward to working with the Council to deliver a community asset that meets local needs, whilst celebrating its historic, cultural heritage and protecting its significant biodiversity value."