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Balls Pond Road Cemetery, owned by the West London Synagogue, will undergo a restoration project following a £190,731 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Grade II-listed cemetery has been recognised by Historic England since 2020 as the most significant burial ground of The Reform Movement, and the resting place of many of its pioneers.
Secured by Islington Council and the West London Synagogue, the funding will go towards restoring and maintaining the site in Mildmay ward as well as developing it as a cultural and educational resource.
The planned Improvements include specialist restoration of memorials to preserve historic significance; enhancing site access with improved entrances; biodiversity surveys to understand and enhance the natural environment; and community engagement opportunities, such as school programmes.
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford said: “Here in Islington, we’re proud to be a borough with such a rich history, and we’re committed to celebrating and embracing that history. Balls Pond Road Cemetery is the final resting place of influential Jewish thinkers, and this funding will help bring their stories to life.”
Cllr Jenny Kay, a ward councillor in Mildmay who was involved in securing the grant, said: “This grant marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the West London Synagogue. We aim to revitalise the cemetery, engage the local community and bring attention to an often-overlooked part of British-Jewish history.
“This project is not just about preservation – it’s about restoring a vital community asset and ensuring the site becomes a resource that benefits all communities.”
Andrew Stone, president of the West London Synagogue, added: “This project will be the start of a longer-term plan to restore an historic and fascinating cemetery, which is an important part of our British-Jewish Heritage.
“We welcome the educational, community engagement and other benefits which will follow. We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to our partner Islington Council, for their efforts in getting us to this stage.”
