Proposed Investment in Middlesbrough Crematorium

MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE

Proposed Investment in Middlesbrough Crematorium

Executive Member for Environment and Commercial Services: Councillor Tracy Harvey

Executive Director of Growth and Place: Kevin Parkes

Date: 5th July 2017

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

1.Seek approval for planned capital investment at Middlesbrough Crematorium comprising;

• refurbishment of St Hilda’s Chapel
• construction of external canopies to St Bede’s/St Hilda’s Chapel
• essential structural repairs to the Chapel of Rest

2.Seek approval to fund the capital works from Bereavement Services revenue budget over a 10 year period.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

3.Approve the proposed capital investment works at Middlesbrough Crematorium comprising;

• refurbishment of St Hilda’s Chapel
• construction of external canopies to St Bede’s/St Hilda’s Chapel
• essential structural repairs to the Chapel of Rest

4.Seek approval fund the capital works from Bereavement Services revenue budget over a 10 year period.

IF THIS IS A KEY DECISION WHICH KEY DECISION TEST APPLIES?

5. / It is over the financial threshold (£150,000) / X
It has a significant impact on 2 or more wards
Non Key

DECISION IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE

6.For the purposes of the scrutiny call in procedure this report is

Non-urgent / X
Urgent report

BACKGROUND AND EXTERNAL CONSULTATION

7.The Council is rightly very proud of its crematorium at Acklam together with the associated grounds and cemetery. However it also recognises the need to upgrade and maintain the existing facilities to a high standard in order to provide a compelling commercial offer to both the town and the wide Tees Valley

8.Following the principles of the customer strategy, it is crucial that we maintain a sensitive crematoria offer. At present on a yearly basis the crematorium undertakes around 3100 cremations. Having an excellent offer at the crematorium is important in supporting families through what is a very stressful and challenging time.

9.A further challenge that gives reason for the investment outlined below is the planned crematoria due to be built in Stockton. This will increase the level of choice for families in respect of which crematoria to use.This means that ongoing investment in the amenities at the crematoria are required to keep a pace with market developments.

10.In the last couple of years, and with the support of Scrutiny we have embarked on a number of major initiatives at the crematorium;

• significant improvements to the grounds through the creation of new planted /rockery area to the approaches to the chapels.

• major refurbishment of St Bede’s Chapel which included new lighting, decoration, sound system and soft furnishings.

• installation of improved broadband capacity to support an increased digital offer in terms of recording /streaming ceremonies.

• Implementation of a digital strategy in terms of improved customer interface, digital record keeping and grave mapping, which can be accessed more widely by the public via the internet.

11.Three key areas have been identified as requiring further investment.

St Hilda’s Chapel

12.Due to its configuration and layout this chapel is often considered the poor relation to the larger St Bede’s Chapel. The décor is now becoming somewhat dated and drab and this is exasperated by the lack of natural daylight. Therefore a scheme is being developed to introduce daylight through a series of new window openings together with a total refurbishment /refresh of the internal finishes and lighting.

The aim being to create a modern, airy and bright environment which compliments rather than detracts from the recent refurbishment of the St Bede’s Chapel.

Construction of Canopies to both Chapels

13.The limited waiting space within the chapels regularly result in those attending larger services having to wait outside. This is less than ideal especially in the winter months and bearing in mind many attendees are often elderly or infirmed. Therefore it is proposed to install stand-alone canopies to both chapels to provide some protection from the elements. Such structures will be designed to complement the existing landscaping andchapels in terms of location /construction.

Essential Structural Repairs to the Chapel of Rest

14.The Chapel of Rest is a key feature of the Acklam complex. However over the years it has not received the investment it deserves. As a result, in recent years it has deteriorated through a combination of roof leaks and the spreading of the main roof structure. Therefore it is proposedinitially to undertake essential structural repairs to arrest this deterioration until such time that a major refurbishment is undertaken. Any future refurbishment investment would be dependent on its future use, and based around a robust business case.

15.Design Services have been working closely with the managers of the facility in developing the scheme and associated costs. The intention is to commence these works in the summer of this year, which is historically the centres quiet business period.

OPTION APPRAISAL / RISK ASSESSMENT

a)Do Nothing / Status Quo

16.The crematorium is a major source of income for the Council, and never before has it had to operate in a more challenging environment. Facing the twin threats of the current Redcar and Cleveland offer and the potential of a future Stockton offer. Failure to invest and upgrade the facilities makes it difficult to retain existing income levels or mitigate the impact of the aforementioned challenges.

17.Failure to undertake essential repairs to the Chapel of Rest will eventually lead to the closure of the facility. If is then left over time, it may deteriorate to a point where it is beyond economic repair and the facility may require to be demolished.

b)Undertake the Proposed Investment

18.The proposed investment will enhance the overall offer to the public through improved waiting facilities, a second chapel which is no longer a detractor but is complimentary to St Bede’s and the safeguarding of a key architectural gem within the crematorium /cemetery complex.

19.This investment is essential to retain business and develop further channels of revenue at the site. Especially when set against both the changing landscape of the funeral business and the increasing choice of venue available to a more discerning customer.

IMPACT ASSESMENT

20.A stage 1 impact assessment has been carried and none of the proposals adversely effects any of the protected groups.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND WARD IMPLICATIONS

Financial

21.The estimated total cost of the proposed investment is £520,000 and will include;

• refurbishment of St Hilda’s Chapel.
• construction of external canopies to St Bede’s/St Hilda’s Chapel.
• essential structural repairs to the Chapel of Rest.

22.The scope of the works have been discussed with the Finance Team, and they have confirmed their support for this scheme, and that there is capacity within the capital programme to allow the scheme to progress. The works will be funded through an annual contribution to capital from the Bereavement Services revenue budget of £52,000 p.a. for the next 10 years.

Legal

23.All works will be carried out in accordance with the appropriate legislation and where applicable planning approval / building regulation approval will be obtained.

Ward

24.The crematorium / cemetery is located in the Acklam ward but serves both the town and are wider region.

RECOMMENDATIONS

25.Approve the proposed capital investment works at Middlesbrough Crematorium comprising;

• refurbishment of St Hilda’s Chapel
• construction of external canopies to St Bede’s/St Hilda’s Chapel
• essential structural repairs to the Chapel of Rest

26.Seek approval fund the capital works from Bereavement Services revenue budget over a 10 year period.

Reasons

27.Ongoing investment in the facility is needed to strengthen the current commercial offer and retain income in an increasingly competitive market.

28.Essential repairs to the Chapel of Rest are required to safeguard an important feature of the Acklam complex.

29.These works are part of an integrated investment programme, supported by Scrutiny to bring the facilities up to current standards in terms of amenities and the associated technology.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

No background papers were used in the preparation of this report

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Contact Officer: Martin Shepherd

Tel No: 729192

Email Address:

Website:

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