London's famous 'celebrity cemetery' is getting a huge revamp

"There's big news from beyond the grave. Plans to refurbish one of London's most hauntingly beautiful landmarks have officially been approved. Highgate Cemetery, arguably the city's most famous resting place, is getting a £18 million glow-up. Many of history's greatest are buried in the third oldest cemetery in London, including Karl Marx, Lucian Freud, George Eliot and George Michael to name a few."

"Camden Council has officially approved the proposals, which were unveiled around this time last year, giving the green light to a 25-year-long restoration project. The works will fortify the site from weathering - which has been accelerated by climate change - and general decomposition, including getting rid of diseased and dangerous trees. There will be subtle but meaningful changes. Expect resurfaced walkways, better drainage (goodbye muddy shoes), restored monuments, and sensitive new planting designed to support biodiversity."

"Highgate Cemetery's iconic main entrance will be restored, and six new buildings will also be created including a café and education centre. There are also grand plans to preserve the Egyptian Avenue and Terrace Catacombs, which are both Grade I-listed landmarks. Hopkins Architects will be overseeing the complex project. The cemetery opened way back in 1839, a whopping 185 years ago - so it certainly seems time for a facelift."

Highgate Cemetery will undergo an £18 million, 25-year restoration aimed at fortifying structures and combating weathering and decomposition accelerated by climate change. The project includes tree management, resurfaced walkways, improved drainage, restored monuments, and sensitive planting to support biodiversity. The iconic main entrance will be restored and six new buildings, including a café and education centre, will be created. Plans include preservation of the Egyptian Avenue and Terrace Catacombs, both Grade I-listed. Hopkins Architects will oversee the work. A proposed gardeners' building and new toilets were removed after objections from grave owners.

Read at Time Out London