KNUTSFORD Cemetery Chapel has been restored to its former glory.

The 118-year-old Grade ll listed building was dilapidated and in need of renovation when it was handed back to the town council last year.

The chapel consists of three rooms, a main hall and two small anterooms.

A £127,000 refurbishment project that started last October has transformed the building into a community venue that can now be used for functions.

A new kitchenette, heating system, accessible toilet and fire alarm have been installed.

The building has been completely redecorated, the parquet floor re-varnished and all the lighting upgraded.

Knutsford Guardian:

The work is due to be completed next week and then it will be furnished.

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The chapel had been managed by Cheshire East Council, and its predecessor Macclesfield Borough Council, from 1974, until last year when it was returned to Knutsford Town Council.

Use of the chapel dwindles and the building was neglected.

Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: "The chapel was handed back to us in a pretty poor state. It had penetrating damp issues. There was water coming through the wall which had to be repaired.

"We found one of the metal supports underneath the spire had corroded and needed replacing.

"We also did some structural work, underpinning the kitchen floor, repointing stone work and replacing cracked panes of glass in the windows."

Unexpected repairs pushed the project a little over budget.

The cost of the work was funded through a £52,000 grant from Cheshire East Council with the balance being drawn from the sale of Cemetery Lodge.

"It has now been restored to its former glory but more suitable for modern use," said Adam. "We hope to re-open it for bookings in March and, when possible, hold an open day for the community to rediscover this gem of a building.

"It will be available to hire for funerals. We are looking at having a licence for weddings and there could be other community uses if organisations wished to book it for meetings.