Portsmouth City Council announced on 20 March 2026 a new investment programme to upgrade facilities and protect heritage buildings at the city’s three historic cemeteries in Portsmouth, Hampshire. The work will focus on Kingston, Milton Road, and Highland Road cemeteries to make the green spaces safer and more welcoming for residents.
The project includes practical changes such as redecorating the public toilets at Milton Road Cemetery with new hand dryers and fixtures. Across all three sites, teams will install safer accessible paths, new benches, and replace old litter bins.
These improvements are being paid for using extra income generated by the Portsmouth City Council cemeteries team. This funding model allows the local authority to reinvest directly into community spaces despite wider budget challenges.
A significant part of the plan involves protecting historic structures, including essential repairs to the Grade II listed West Chapel at Kingston Cemetery to make it watertight and prevent decay. This follows previous work like the £65,000 restoration of the Dissenters’ Chapel at Highland Road Cemetery which was completed in 2025.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the council, described the cemeteries as important green spaces that provide a place for reflection and a home for local wildlife. Volunteer groups like the Friends of Highland Road Cemetery also help visitors research family history and maintain the historic grounds.
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