Work to extend and improve Thorntree Cemetery got underway on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, as part of a scheme to create much-needed new grave space in Middlesbrough. The project, scheduled for completion by autumn 2026, will also bring new gates, paths, parking areas, drainage and a redesigned road layout to the Cargo Fleet Lane site. The 18-acre cemetery, which contains around 4,000 existing graves, will stay open throughout the works, although some areas will have restricted access at times.
The Middlesbrough Council project has been planned so that existing grave plots and memorials will not be disturbed. Families who might be affected have already been contacted, and notices will be put up in the relevant sections. Councillor Peter Gavigan, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: “We understand any disruption in the cemetery will cause inconvenience so we’re trying to give as much information as possible and work closely with families. This extension is vital so that people can continue to be buried in the cemetery in accordance with their wishes.”
Funeral services will carry on as normal during construction, with work halted as appropriate to avoid any disturbance. The investment aims to guarantee that Thorntree Cemetery can keep serving Middlesbrough families for years to come, offering additional burial plots and improved facilities. Once completed, visitors can expect a more accessible site with better parking and smoother routes through the grounds.
Further details about the cemetery, including its location and existing services, can be found on the Thorntree Cemetery page on the council’s website. The council has advised anyone planning to visit to check for the latest updates on temporary access restrictions while the work is in progress.
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