When the estate of Balmain was laid out in 1852, concerns were raised about the failure to reserve land for a cemetery and for parkland.

[1] In August 1863, a meeting of local residents sought to establish a cemetery in Balmain.

It was proposed to fund the development of the cemetery by residents subscribing £1 entitling them to one grave plot (or multiples thereof).

Although the majority were in favour of the idea, there was opposition to the plan, based on objections of hygiene, the poor use of land (given the expectation that the area would become densely populated), and that it might impede the development of a future highway.

The plans were advertised and families were invited to arrange for re-interment of bodies or removal of memorials.