Crematorium Redevelopment
Information for Families
What is happening at the crematorium?
The crematorium is being rebuilt in order to better meet the needs of bereaved families with the existing crematorium building demolition work starting approx 26 November 2018. Due to restrictions on where we can build; the new building will beconstructed almost entirely on the existing building footprint. We are therefore providing interim chapel and office facilities onsite to continue providing a service to families whilst the new crematorium is being built. These interim facilities will be open October 2018 to tie in with the demolition of the existing building.
This redevelopment is a large-scale building project in a very confined site with lots of restrictions but please be assured that we are working with builders who have experience working in very specialised and sensitive environments. Every effort is being made to keep disturbance and noise to an absolute minimum and to maintain the dignity of this very special place whilst we continue to provide a service to families.
If you would like to come and see the site before deciding whether to hold the funeral service at the crematorium,please ring the bereavement office on 01483444711 to make an appointment to have a look around.
We would also always advise checking the website for the most up-to-date information on the building work. ().
This website includes a site map to detail what areas are affected, has up to date information on location and availability of parking and any site restrictions or closures. The website also has information about the interim chapel including a PDF version of our brochure, which has pictures, site plans, and more information about how things work in the interim facilities.
Is the site running as usual?
For the most part, the site opening hours will remain the same. For some of the larger scale works, there will be very short periods where we will unable to hold services but these will be communicated well in advance to funeral directors and we would not cancel funeral services that have already been arranged. For the most part, access to the garden of remembrance will be maintainedandany large-scale restrictions will be communicated well in advance. Once again, we would recommend you ring the crematorium if you require a more detailed picture of workthatwill be happening on the day of the funeral service.
The bereavement services office will be open throughout the build but will be in a new location alongside the interim chapel. Our office opening hours and the grounds opening hours will remain the same.
What can I expect to see when I arrive?
The new carpark and interim chapel and facilities are located on the left-hand side of the crematorium site as you come in the entrance and we have a new access road from our existing main entrance.
Most of the builders’ activities over the next few months will be in demolishing the old crematorium building. In order to safely contain the areas in which the builders are working, hoardingwill be erected around the old building. The hoarding will consist of solid wood panels on pads to ensure there is no grounds disturbance. This will be carried outconsiderately in order that as far as possible, the hoarding blends in with the existing garden of remembrance.
From October until January, the builders will also be finishing construction work on our remembrance court, which is slightly nearer to the interim chapel and there will be hoarding up in the area as you exit the temporary chapel. The builders will be using acoustic panelling and mufflers on the machinery and the temporary chapel is fitted with acoustic panels. As far as possible noisy works will be carried out outside of normal working hours but the builders will have a presence in that area for a few months. Once again, we would recommend if you are concerned to either ring and get an update on the works planned for that week or to ring for an appointment to come and have a look around.
Will there be lorries and machinery visible?
The builders will be working mainly around the old crematorium building and a traffic management plan has been set up in order that lorries and deliveries do not impact on families arriving at the crematorium. The builders have a representative permanently located at the entrance to the crematorium to ensure construction traffic is escorted as quickly as possible to the relevant compound.
Will there be construction noise during my service?
Duringthe more disruptive phases, the crematorium may close for short periods, but these times will be communicated well in advance to funeral directors. From approx. 26 November, the old crematorium will be demolished and the works will be more noisy than they have been since the interim chapel has been operational. It is very difficult for us to give an accurate picture of the noise levels until works actually start. As the site is so restricted space wise, we are unable to eliminate all noise. Wherever possible, vehicles are fitted with silencers or reducers and the crematoriummanager is in daily communication with the building site manager to make sure the more noisy works are, as far as possible, limited to times when services are not taking place.
What about car parking facilities?
We are maintaining car-parking provision throughout the build, although the location of the car park within the site will differ throughout the project. All car-parking areas will be well marked as part of the traffic management plan that we have in place
If you do have any queries or would like to look around, please feel free to ring the bereavement services team on 01483 444711. Finally, we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience whilst we carry out these important works.
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