Culture & Community
Ruabon Road Cemetery
Considered of national importance, Wrexham Cemetery is a rare and significant Victorian heritage asset. Although generally well preserved, its historic buildings had been placed on Wrexham County Borough Council’s ‘at risk’ register.
Following the successful award of Parks for People Heritage Lottery Funding, the Council appointed Lawray to help realise their vision for the cemetery: to create a valued community facility – a green, peaceful space offering respite from the surrounding urban environment.
Restore and reuse
The project focused on safeguarding the Grade II listed buildings while ensuring their long-term, sustainable use. Alongside this, the scheme sought to conserve the historic Victorian landscape and improve access throughout the site.
Key elements included:
• Restoration and repair of the cemetery lodge and chapels, together with sensitive adaptations to enable new uses. The Lodge was restored as a private rental property; the West Chapel now serves as a chapel and meeting space; and the East Chapel provides office accommodation and a public facility for viewing historic records.
• Conservation of the Victorian cemetery and its registered landscape setting, including tree works and repairs to memorials.
• Improved access through upgraded surfacing and enhanced access control.
• Landscape enhancements to strengthen the setting of the listed buildings and structures.
Award-winning development
Underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, the project was recognised with an Outstanding Achievement Award for making a “significant contribution to the town’s environment and quality of life,” a legacy that will continue to benefit the community for generations to come.