Once shrouded in ivy and effectively abandoned in the 1980s, the Grade II mortuary chapel is listed for its architectural importance and rarity, as well as its significance to local people and the landscape.
Built in 1903 by Manchester based architects Sharpe & Foster, having jointly won the competition for the contract, the chapel boasts numerous unique features.
Designed in Perpendicular Gothic style, it also reflects the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau in its stained glass windows.
Its considerable height makes it a more prominent landmark than most cemetery chapels around Salford.
A once bleak future for the chapel may now have a silver lining thanks to the joint efforts of Agecroft Chapel Restoration Association (ACRA) founded in 2022 and Salford City Council who are working together in the hope of one day bringing the chapel back into public use.
We spoke to spokesperson for ACRA, Genealogist Glenn Kennedy, who explained that the process is not easy and things will not happen overnight but wants to reassure the public that things are slowly gathering pace. The association has moved from being a constitutional group towards now becoming a charity, enabling it to seek funding from pots that would have otherwise been unavailable. It is also close to leasing the building from the council which will enable them to seek further funding. Glenn has made the move to Llandudno in recent months but his passion for the project still remains and he makes regular trips back to Salford for meetings and to raise awareness.
The council has now erected a secure perimeter fence as well as installed covert CCTV in an attempt to add more robust security to the chapel following a number of break-ins last year. Previous removal and preventative treatment on the ivy which once smothered the building has already been undertaken and the council has made an effort to clear much of the land within the fenced off area.
The project even has the backing from local MP – Rebecca Long-Bailey and Salford City Mayor – Paul Dennett, both who have been supportive.
Glenn told us that the eventual aim is for the chapel to be restored and reopened, with a possible side extension added to allow for a cafe, flower shop and a room for public use, he admitted that he has no illusion that it is going to be anything but a lengthy process but a lot is happening behind the scenes and the proverbial ball is now rolling.
The group is also looking for new members to come on board and become involved.
For more information you can contact them via their Facebook page: ACRA Agecroft Chapel Restoration Association
