Haslingden graveyard revamp creates peaceful area for relaxation and reflection
The once-neglected space has been given grants to create a new space
A graveyard is undergoing a transformation to change the once-neglected space into a peaceful area for relaxation and reflection. The improvements to Haslingden Graveyard are part of The Haslingden Big Lamp Project’s micro – grants scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Rossendale Borough Council.
The Big Lamp Project will run until August 2026 and aims to enhance the conservation area while fostering community involvement. As part of this, Proffitts CIC was awarded a grant of £3,000 from the Big Lamp Project, along with an additional £9,550 from the Awards for All Fund, to restore the graveyard.
Themes identified were: Getting around town; linking communities; opportunities for development; and a greener town.
Martin Proffitt from Proffitts CIC, said: “By clearing the site, we wanted to create a welcoming environment for the local community. Our goal was to enhance Haslingden as a place to live, work, and visit. “We also wanted to tidy up the area to reduce antisocial behaviour and littering, ensuring that the community has a clean, inviting outdoor space to enjoy.”
The graveyard had long suffered from overgrowth, litter, and neglect, making it difficult to access and enjoy. However, thanks to this project, the entrance has been transformed into a safe and welcoming entry point. Years of built-up debris and weeds have been cleared away, resulting in improved pathways and easier access throughout the site. Enhancements to the graveyard include a refreshed seating area and the planting of new trees and wildflowers.
Plans are also under way to form a dedicated group to ensure the site’s future maintenance. The Haslingden Big Lamp Project represents a collaborative effort to preserve local heritage while enhancing the environment for residents and visitors alike, creating spaces that everyone can enjoy.
The Big Lamp Project
Project timeline: 2021-2026
Haslingden is a historic mill town home to cobbled streets, an 18th Century listed merchant’s house and many 19th Century buildings. It holds possibly the oldest street market licence in England, with markets regularly held there since at least 1555.
Following the development of the Haslingden 2040 Vision, in July 2021, Rossendale Borough Council were successful in a grant funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for over £1.8m.
Due to a prolonged period of under-investment and post-industrial decline, the condition of the buildings in Haslingden’s town centre has been impacted greatly. In an effort to revitalise this historic town centre, Rossendale Borough Council received £1,837,700 for their project, Big Lamp – Shining Light on Haslingden’s Heritage. The funding will support a five year project which aims to regenerate the area and encourage community engagement with the town and its heritage.
The project plans to create a new town square which will be used for community events, such as food markets and festivals. It also plans to:
introduce a cycling infrastructure
widen pavements
refurbish its ‘Big Lamp’ (a local landmark)
improve the area for wildlife and the environment
introduce a one-way traffic system
create Sustainable Urban Drainage systems
The Big Lamp project hopes to see growth in visitors to Haslingden following the town’s regeneration. The increased footfall will also support the local economy, bolstering existing businesses and creating new opportunities.
Project outcomes
Transformation of the northern stretch of Deardengate into a bustling town square, developing community engagement through vibrant activities and outdoor seating.
Improved pedestrian routes throughout the town centre linking retail hubs and residential areas.
Soft landscaping and electric charging points.
A revitalised market experience offering food, retail and events