Did you know that some of the UK’s oldest cemeteries date back to the early 19th century, and many contain Grade II-listed monuments and boundary walls? These historic spaces are more than resting places —they’re open-air museums of architecture, craftsmanship, and local history. However, time and weather take their toll, making expert restoration essential to protect them for future generations.
MGM Construction, a heritage specialist firm based in the North East, is playing a vital role in preserving these treasured sites. Through a series of projects for Newcastle City Council, the team has been restoring stonework, repairing boundary walls, and rejuvenating historic features across the city’s cemeteries.
A Year of Careful Restoration
One of MGM Construction’s most ambitious projects has been a year-long scheme to improve the stonework and boundary walls at multiple cemeteries. At Jesmond Old Cemetery, the team completed over 2,600 square metres of pointing, alongside rebuilds, consolidation work, and vegetation removal, all with meticulous attention to detail.
At St James Cemetery, Newcastle, their work has spanned over 16 months. This included a complete stone pillar rebuild to the boundary wall, which impressed the council so much that MGM was awarded further work on a second phase. This phase involved over 500 square metres of pointing, gate refurbishment, and continued conservation measures.
Property Repairs that Preserve Heritage
The restoration of historic cemeteries is not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about carrying out property repairs that maintain the character and authenticity of heritage assets. MGM’s skilled stonemasons are trained in traditional methods, ensuring that every repair complements the original craftsmanship.
Whether it’s repairing crumbling boundary walls or consolidating weather-worn masonry, these property repairs extend the lifespan of historic structures while keeping them safe for visitors. The work often involves complex tasks like repointing, dismantling and rebuilding sections, and removing vegetation without damaging delicate stonework.
Combining Heritage Building Construction with Structural Repairs
Working on heritage sites requires a unique combination of skills. MGM Construction’s expertise in heritage building construction ensures that all restoration work respects the original design and materials. Meanwhile, their proficiency in structural repairs allows them to address the underlying issues that threaten the integrity of these sites.
This careful balance of craftsmanship and structural expertise is evident in their smaller projects too, such as at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Crook, where they delicately removed and relaid water tables to two peaks.
A Trusted Partner in Heritage Conservation
The repeat business MGM Construction has secured from Newcastle City Council is a testament to their skill, reliability, and passion for heritage preservation. Under the leadership of professionals like Heritage Contracts Manager Craig Jenkins, the company has built a reputation as a trusted partner in maintaining some of the North East’s most historically significant cemeteries.
MGM Construction’s approach to cemetery restoration goes beyond aesthetics — it’s rooted in sustainability and respect for traditional craftsmanship. By using natural materials that allow historic structures to “breathe” and prevent moisture damage, they ensure their work stands the test of time in challenging outdoor environments. Their expertise in masonry and structural stabilisation combines time-honoured techniques, such as lime mortar application and hand-carved stone, with modern engineering solutions to counteract weathering, structural shifts, and environmental damage. This careful blend of old and new safeguards Newcastle’s cemeteries, preserving them as places of history, heritage, and quiet reflection for generations to come.