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State-of-the-art crematorium opens in the West Midlands
One of the UK’s most environmentally-friendly crematoriums has opened its doors to serve the communities of South Birmingham, Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire.
Waseley Hills Crematorium has been developed by Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries.
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The Group’s portfolio now includes 36 sites across England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
Its latest crematorium enjoys uninterrupted views of the surrounding rolling hills, hedgerows, pastures and pockets of woodland, providing a picturesque, peaceful and special setting for services.
The purpose-built chapel building features a distinctive living green wildflower roof and the development of the crematorium has included the enhancement of existing wildlife habitats as well as the creation of new ones.
There is parking for 120 cars, with overflow areas available if required, and the contemporary chapel building can seat 105 guests, with significant additional standing room.
There are state-of-the-art media facilities, including a tribute screen and speakers outside the chapel, to enable larger congregations to participate in the service in addition to being able to provide webcasts and an extensive music library. A covered floral tribute area, set away from the chapel, allows families and friends the opportunity to gather in peaceful tranquillity after a service.
Site manager Joy Edgington said: “My team and I are looking forward to providing vital support to the community so that our very uniquely-designed facility will soon become the crematorium of choice for families near and further afield. The crematorium is now open and anyone is welcome to come and visit us”
To compliment the Group’s commitment to continually review and improve its activities to reduce the impact on the environment, and in line with Environmental Policy Statement introduced by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, Waseley Hills Crematorium is the Westerleigh’s most environmentally-friendly development to date.
The cremator has been fitted with the very latest advanced filtration and abatement technology, with the new crematorium being one of just a small number of new facilities nationwide to include NOx abatement as part of its fully abated system.
The insulation in the building exceeds the minimum standards required by the building regulations and the chapel features specific environmentally-positive installations such as 100% LED lighting and sub-metering to services.
The crematorium also benefits from a sustainable drainage system and an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Westerleigh Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Smith said: “We are very proud to have created one of the most environmentally-friendly crematorium facilities in the UK.
“It’s been particularly exciting for me that one of my first roles since joining Westerleigh Group earlier this year has been to oversee the opening of this state-of-the-art facility.
“From day one, we have implemented a regime based around minimising energy use, maximising recycling and proactively encouraging biodiversity.
“I am confident that Westerleigh Group has created a crematorium which will be a huge asset to the communities of South Birmingham and Worcestershire, and provide people with a pleasant, peaceful and comforting environment in which to remember their lost loved ones.”
For more information about Waseley Hills Crematorium, please visit: www.waseleyhillscrematorium.co.uk
