Public Statements

The following are various statements published by the local authority about the current state and future plans for Hyde Park Cemetery.

State of the Cemetery and its Buildings (DMBC Feb 2003)

“The cemetery has not been actively used for other than reopened graves for a considerable number of years. As such the buildings were declared surplus to requirement in the late 1990’s and have subsequently fallen into dereliction.

The present neglected and vandalised state of Hyde Park Cemetery and its buildings is causing the community and all other interested parties great concern. A recent structural inspection has established that the buildings are now in an advanced state of disrepair with notable acceleration in the deterioration of the roof structures, decorative features and the spire over the last sixteen months.

The roof structures and a number of the stone features are probably already beyond effective repair. If restoration works are not to be undertaken in the next two years then remedial works are essential in order to render the buildings safe and watertight. These would include the part demolition of the spire and the removal of the pinnacles and cornice stones.

There is now an urgent need to securely fence off the buildings to prevent further vandalism, pilfering and improper use and also to ensure the safety of visitors to the site.”

Sign at Entrance to Cemetery (Sep 2004)

“Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council intends to form a partnership with the Doncaster Central New Deal for Communities and the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery in order to seek funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the full restoration of Hyde Park Cemetery and related development costs.

The partnership intends to restore the cemetery, the chapels and the lodge to their former glory for the benefit of the local community and citizens of the Borough. In order to ensure the future sustainability of the site, the local community and all other interested parties will be meaningfully involved in the decision making process for the planning, devlopment, restoration and future management of the site.

The restored cemetery will once again become a fit and proper place for the needs of the bereaved, while also providing a much needed green space for the local community and the local wildlife. The restored buildings will be adapted into multi-purpose spaces for research, training, employment opportunities and community use. The restored site will become a life long learning resource for the local community and local schools.”

Restoration Plans

In February 2003 Doncaster Council approved -

“Temporary re-roofing works in order to prevent the further deterioration of the cemetery buildings during the pre-restoration period. Estimated cost £45,000.

Carrying out of periodic inspections and the necessary remedial works to the chapel spire. If only remedial works are required the cost will be £50,000 but if the spire is judged to be unstable, the top section will need to be carefully taken down, capped off and the stonework stored at an estimated cost of £150,000.

Entering into a partnership agreement with the Doncaster Central New Deal for Communities and the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery with a view to achieving the full restoration of Hyde Park Cemetery and the future sustainability of the site for the benefit of the local community and the citizens of the Borough subject to further legal and financial advice.

Seeking tenders from suitably qualified consultants for the preparation of a conservation management plan for the cemetery. The estimated cost of the work is £55,000 and the plan will form the Stage 1 submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Preparation of an application for 90% funding (£50,000) from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the development of a conservation management plan for the cemetery.

Preparation of an application for 75% funding (£135,000) from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the development costs of preparing the Stage 2 submission for the cemetery. Match funding of £45,000 will be required.

Preparation of an application for 75% funding (£2,640,000) from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the full restoration of the cemetery.”

Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery

“A newly formed group of individuals who have a keen interest in the future of the cemetery. They are at present visiting other cemeteries and corresponding with other Friends Groups with a view to finalising their constitution and seeking elected officers. Their principal objectives are to support the restoration and conservation of the cemetery and to provide a mechanism for the community to have a positive input into its restoration, ongoing care and management. In the longer term it is likely that the Friends group will establish itself and take an active part in supporting the Council in maintaining the site (we would not wish to abdicate our responsibilities to the Friends Group) and promoting the cemetery and its value as part of Doncaster’s heritage.” (DMBC Feb 2003)

“A public meeting will be held on the 12th May [2003] at 7.30 pm at Chequer Road Baptist Church to formally launch the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery. The group is being set up to help develop the project that will restore the Cemetery. Mike Parnell has been employed through the Developing Community Leadership scheme to research and identify funding opportunities that the Friends Group can draw upon to help realise the restoration of an important part of Doncaster's heritage. The project itself is developing four avenues of interest. These are training, education, historical and genealogical, and community involvement. It is not just the communities of Hyde Park or Balby Bridge that have an interest. The Victorian Cemetery is part of Doncaster's heritage therefore consultation and membership will be open to anyone in the borough. Mike said, " This is an exciting opportunity for people to be involved in a project that is catching folks imagination. Everyone is invited to attend to find out what the Friends Group is all about and how they also can be involved." (DMBC Apr 2003)