Cheltenham’s new crematorium to open on time and on budget

The public are invited to come and view Cheltenham’s new crematorium when it opens its doors - on time and on budget - this Saturday 2 March 2019. From 10am until 5pm, people can come and see the state-of- the- art building and beautiful grounds.

Following major £8.5m redevelopment works, the first services are set to be held at Bouncer’s Lane Cemetery on Monday 4 March 2019.

The new state of the art chapels feature Cotswold stone which is sympathetic to the local landscape setting and further benefits from extensive views towards the hills. Shrubs and wild flowers will continue to be planted as the seasons develop providing enhancements to the tranquil spaces surrounding the buildings and views towards the escarpment.

Services will now be more personal, with new technology offering music, readings and video to complement the life that a person has led.

Councillor Chris Coleman, cabinet member for clean and green environment said:  “This is a significant moment for Cheltenham’s bereavement services and the new facilities will provide a first class service for our residents, the surrounding areas, and all who will use our bereavement services.  I look forward to Saturday as residents can see for themselves just how impressive the new facility is.

“The beautiful new chapels take full advantage of their tranquil environment and having two new chapels means we’ll be able to give a wider offer for all our community’s faiths and also some lower rates to help with funeral poverty.”

Ben Jenkins, bereavement services manager, added: “The past few years have been a challenging time for the staff working in our bereavement services team and I am very proud of all the hard work and dedication they have shown delivering this service to the public, while coping with all the challenges they faced on a daily basis.

“With the new facility, I am looking forward to the future of bereavement services, and what we can now offer to all who will use our first class provision for many years to come.”

The work started in 2017, following extensive consultation with residents, to provide two new chapels with a contemporary yet sensitive 21st century design to the east of the original cemetery.

 

For media enquiries, please contact: Katie Sandey, communications & web team leader, telephone 01242 264332, email [email protected]

Notes:
Bookings for cremations are now being taken for Monday 4 March 2019 onwards.

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, created a sensitive contemporary design that is appropriate to the 21st century but which respects the local context and character whilst providing a much needed modern cremation service for bereaved families.

The council has been working with contractor Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd.

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

Parking will be available for over 100 vehicles.

Further information about the project including artist impressions are available to view at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/new-crem.