Further Improvements in the Pipeline for Hailsham Cemetery Chapel

The Town Council’s Assets Management Committee has agreed a new phase of improvement works at Hailsham Cemetery in Ersham Road, continuing the Council’s commitment to maintaining a respectful, accessible and well-maintained space for residents and visitors.

Subject to Council approval, the latest improvements will again focus on the cemetery chapel, following the successful installation of new lighting and heating systems earlier this year. While these upgrades have significantly enhanced the chapel, councillors recognised that further work is needed to improve the building’s interior and ensure it continues to meet the needs of families and funeral services.

The approved works will include the removal of all existing pews, which have become unstable over time, and their replacement with modern chairs. This change will provide greater flexibility in the layout and use of the chapel during funeral services and other remembrance events. In addition, the chapel interior will be redecorated and repainted, and new carpeting will be installed throughout the building.

Further enhancements are also planned for the chapel. A dedicated remembrance area will soon be created to house a Book of Remembrance within a bespoke glass cabinet, allowing visitors to leave and read personal tributes in memory of loved ones. In addition, the chapel’s original historic bell will be preserved and displayed in a custom-made glass case, helping to protect and celebrate an important part of the site’s heritage.

The project will be funded through an underspend within the Town Council’s 2025/26 General Maintenance Budget, ensuring the improvements can be delivered without placing additional pressure on Council finances.

The chapel works build on a programme of significant investment across the cemetery in recent years.

Last year, all footpaths and walkways throughout the cemetery were fully resurfaced with durable tarmac, providing smooth and safe access for visitors in all weather conditions. The public toilet facilities also underwent a major refurbishment, including internal upgrades, tile repairs, and the replacement of soffits, gutters and downpipes. Accessibility improvements were incorporated to ensure the facilities are suitable for all visitors, including those with disabilities.

These projects were funded through the Town Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), demonstrating the Council’s continued commitment to investing in important local amenities.

More recently, a previously unused building within the cemetery has been transformed into a dedicated visitor waiting room, providing a comfortable and welcoming space for those attending funerals or visiting loved ones.

A pet cemetery was created earlier this year, positioned on a previously unused area close to the cemetery’s main entrance. The dedicated pet ashes burial ground has been designed specifically for the interment of small domestic pets such as cats and dogs.

Alongside these capital improvements, grounds maintenance and grass cutting services have recently been brought in-house. Council staff now undertake work previously carried out by external contractors, helping to maintain consistently high standards of care while delivering long-term value for money.

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager, said: “Hailsham Cemetery plays an important role in our community, providing a peaceful and dignified place for remembrance. These latest improvements will make the chapel more comfortable, flexible and welcoming for families at what can be a very difficult time.”

“Together with the wider investment we’ve made across the cemetery, we’re ensuring the site remains well maintained, accessible and fit for the future, while continuing to respect its heritage and importance to local residents.”

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, commented: “Maintaining and improving Hailsham Cemetery is a responsibility that the Town Council takes very seriously. It is a place of great importance to many residents, and these continued improvements reflect our commitment to providing a respectful, welcoming and accessible environment for everyone who visits.”

“By investing in both the chapel and the wider cemetery grounds, we are ensuring this valued community asset continues to serve residents now and for future generations, while preserving the character and heritage of the site.”

The Council expects the chapel improvement works to be carried out by its works team over the coming months.