GUILDFORD Crematorium, near Godalming, will take on a new lease of life next year following improvement works.
Phased building work is due to start next spring with a completion date of summer 2019.
• A flexible and intimate chapel, suitable for both small and large services, able to accommodate up to 200 mourners
• An improved experience within the chapel, with views on to landscaped courtyards, improved natural lighting and acoustics, flexible seating and a peaceful, reflective environment
• A larger waiting room with extended, covered outdoor waiting areas
• A new memorial courtyard, book of remembrance room, flowers room and floral tribute, overlooking a reflective pool
• Improved parking facilities and on site access roads and
• New gardens of remembrance with an improved choice of memorials.
While the refurbishmemt is being carried out, interim facilities, including a chapel, waiting room and offices, will be available on site while the redevelopment takes place and the current facilities, with space for up to 120 mourners to attend each service, will be provided during this time.
Guildford deputy leader Matt Furniss said: “Our current crematorium has served the borough well for 50 years.
Now with changing needs we are investing in improving the facilities to offer personalisation and flexibility, in addition to providing a supportive, inclusive and caring environment for the bereaved.
“Our local communities’ expectations, faiths, customs and requirements have changed and redeveloping Guildford Crematorium will accommodate these in a modern and up-to-date setting.
“Bereavement services at Guildford Crematorium cater for around 1,800 cremations annually with many coming to pay respect to the deceased and to visit the memorial gardens.
“It is important to us that we provide quality facilities and services to support the bereaved.”
“The council has submitted a planning application to rebuild the crematorium on the existing location near Godalming.
“We identified the significant improvements during our own service review, and have consulted with key stakeholders and local residents on the design.
“The appointed design team, led by the award-winning architects Haverstock, have worked closely with the council to produce a design working within the site constraints and addressing the need to improve facilities and services.
“The range of visitors to the existing Guildford Crematorium, and the stages of grief they experience as they move through the site influenced the design.
“The flow of mourners through areas, while trying to maximise privacy, was also fundamental to the design. The plan also features courtyards to provide spaces for people to congregate and reflect,” Mr Furniss added.
“We will continue to provide a high-quality experience throughout the development of the new crematorium, with interim facilities on site to support the local people and businesses that rely on this sensitive and vital service.”