Protecting an important part of Brent’s heritage
The Grade II listed chapels at Paddington Old Cemetery date from the 1850s and are an important part of the cemetery’s history and character.
Their condition has deteriorated over time and recent specialist inspections have identified structural concerns. The chapels remain on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register and require substantial investment and repair.
Brent Council’s immediate priority is therefore to manage the condition of the buildings safely, while continuing to explore realistic opportunities for their longer-term future.
Safety measures completed to date
Following advice from specialist consultants, the Council has introduced additional safety and security measures around the chapels. These include:
- extending the restricted area around the buildings;
- improving barriers and pedestrian diversions;
- boarding vulnerable windows and doors;
- introducing additional warning and directional signage; and
- keeping the safety arrangements under review as further information becomes available.
Visitors are asked to follow all signage and respect the barriers and exclusion areas. The chapels are not open for general public access.
Understanding the work required
The Council has commissioned structural inspections and specialist advice to better understand the condition of the buildings and the work required to protect them.
The Council is now considering the findings and the next steps for the immediate structural works. This work must take place before longer-term options for the chapels can be considered in greater detail.
Restoring and bringing the chapels back into sustainable use remains a long-term ambition. However, a project of this scale would require significant funding, specialist expertise and a realistic future use that respects the listed buildings, the surrounding cemetery and the needs of the bereaved.
Learning through collaboration
As part of this wider exploration, Brent Council has supported an educational collaboration with Middlesex University.
Architecture and design students are using the chapels as a real-world case study to examine heritage, conservation, adaptive reuse and the practical challenges associated with historic buildings. The collaboration gives students an opportunity to develop conceptual ideas while learning about the financial, operational and community considerations involved in protecting an important local asset.
Dr Francesca Murialdo, Director of Programmes for Interior Architecture and Design at Middlesex University London, said:
“Working with a live project such as the Paddington Old Cemetery Chapels gives our students an invaluable opportunity to understand adaptive reuse as a process involving heritage, existing fabric, communities, resources and different aspirations for the future of a place.”
The students’ work is an educational and conceptual exercise. It will provide a fresh
perspective on the buildings and it is hoped that this may lead to an exhibition locally as a way to promote discussion on the wider potential that re-use may offer to protect heritage buildings and give them new purpose.
Brent Council looks forward to seeing how the students’ work develops and thanks Middlesex University, the Friends of Paddington Old Cemetery and everyone involved for their constructive contribution.
Keeping people informed
The Council recognises the strong interest in the future of the chapels from residents, cemetery users, community groups and heritage organisations.
This page will be updated when there are significant developments, including further information about the structural works and the future direction of the project.