Published on 21st March 2018

bench and blossom covered tree at Cheltenham's cemetery

The new crematorium at Bouncer’s Lane Cemetery is starting to take shape, with the steel frame construction for the buildings scheduled to begin on 26 March.

The temporary access road has been removed and a new permanent exit road has been completed. The new road will mean that mourners and funeral corteges will take separate routes, offering an improved flow between funerals.

The £8.5m redevelopment – which remains in budget and on time to open in spring 2019 – will see two new chapels situated just to the east of the current cemetery and two new cremators.

Artist impressions – available to view at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/new-crem - give an idea of just how impressive the new buildings will be. By incorporating Cotswold stone features they will reflect their setting in the local landscape and will benefit from extensive views towards the hills, taking full advantage of the tranquil and beautiful environment.

Parking will be available for over 100 vehicles.

Councillor Chris Coleman, cabinet member for clean and green environment said:  “The new facility will provide a vastly improved service for local people. From the new car park and dedicated comfortable waiting rooms, to the new chapels and floral tribute areas, I feel certain that people will quickly embrace the new crematorium as an important facility of our town.

“The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult with the existing service due to equipment failure and we are very sorry for the impact this has had for some bereaved families. We will continue to work hard to make sure our new crematorium remains on track to open in spring 2019.”

Rob Hainsworth, bereavement services manager added: ‘’Things are really starting to take shape on site and we’re looking forward to seeing further progress when the steel frame starts to go up next week. I am pleased that work is progressing well for the new crematorium, on time and in budget.’’

Keep up to date with the project at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/new-crem

For media enquiries, please contact: Laura Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

Notes:

The council is building two new chapels and a crematory to the east of the current cemetery at Bouncer’s Lane and is looking to open them for funeral services during spring 2019.

Following public consultation, 86 per cent of responses were in favour of building a new facility rather than continuing to use or modify the current buildings.

The architects, Roberts Limbrick of Gloucester, have created a sensitive contemporary design that is appropriate to the 21st century but respects the local context and character whilst providing a much needed modern cremation service for bereaved families.

Mourners will approach the new buildings through the cemetery grounds and will leave via a new road which will be developed to the south of the cemetery emerging onto Bouncer’s Lane.

The council is working with contractor Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd to minimise any impacts to the local community and to the operation of the cemetery and current crematorium whilst building work takes place.