Celebrity cemetery plans £18m improvement project

Highgate Cemetery covers 36 acres (15 hectares) in north London

A north London cemetery that is the final resting place of a host of well-known people including George Michael and Karl Marx has submitted plans for an £18m improvement project.

Highgate Cemetery near Hampstead Heath is hoping to carry out a range of works as part of its plans to combat the effects of climate change, ash dieback and general decay.

Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust said the project would ensure the site remained an active burial ground to its 53,000 graves.

The first stage of works will be funded by the trust's reserves and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project aims to conserve the Grade I-listed Egyptian Avenue and Grade II*-listed Terrace Catacombs, restoring access to views of London and re-opening the grand West Carriage Drive.

Trees deemed dangerous or diseased will be removed from the cemetery in a bid to restore biodiversity.

The organisation also plans to open the Dissenters' Chapel as a public space.

Dr Ian Dungavell, the trust's chief executive, said: "We will conserve the fragile historic structures and improve biodiversity while retaining the tranquillity of this special place.

"We will make it accessible to more people, and tell a wider variety of stories."

He added that the consultation responses so far had been "very enthusiastic".

The plans on Camden Council's website are open to comments until 7 January.

Friends of Highgate Cemetery hopes to secure at least £6.6m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust hopes to secure at least £6.6m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Earlier this year, the project was awarded £105,000 from the fund.

Stuart McLeod, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Grade I-listed Highgate Cemetery is known as one of London's 'Magnificent Seven', a sanctuary where people have visited for centuries to reflect on life and connect with nature.

"We're proud to have given our initial support to this project to help conserve its heritage, promote biodiversity and improve accessibility.

"We look forward to working with the team to progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date."