State-of-the-art crematorium opens in Hampshire
One of the UK’s most environmentally-friendly crematoriums has opened its doors in Hampshire to serve the communities in and around New Milton, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
New Forest Crematorium has been developed by Westerleigh Group and offers families state-of-the-art and environmentally-friendly facilities set within scenic, secluded and tranquil grounds.
The centrepiece of the thoughtfully-designed development is a modern chapel building which features a roof lantern, making it a landmark for the site without compromising the backdrop of the Great Woar Copse.
The chapel can seat 117 guests, with significant additional standing room.
The latest modern media facilities include an extensive music library, enabling live webcasts to take place, tribute screens and speakers outside the chapel under a covered area, to enable larger congregations to participate in services.
Following a service, guests are led from the chapel through a courtyard garden to the covered floral tribute area and wider memorial grounds, enabling families and friends to gather in peaceful reflection.
Standard service times are offered at 45-minute intervals, which means families are not rushed and have ample time to pay their respects in privacy and tranquillity.
There is parking for 111 cars, with overflow areas available.
Site Manager Graeme Horobin said: “I’m proud to be the first site manager at New Forest Crematorium, which I want to become the place of choice for bereaved families, where we provide a premium quality and uniquely personal service in beautiful surroundings.
“This is such a unique place where care is at the heart of everything we do. Our families are supported by a helpful team of crematorium colleagues, always on hand to support them through a difficult day by ensuring that the service is delivered with respect, dignity and care.”
New Forest Crematorium also features advanced technology which helps to minimise emissions and makes it one of the most environmentally facilities of its kind in the country.
This approach ensures that it does not only minimise pollution in the local community, it also protects existing wildlife habitats and nature of the surrounding New Forest National Park.
Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 36 other 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.
Westerleigh Chief Executive Officer Debbie Smith said: “We are very proud to have created another flagship crematorium and one where the environment is and will be at the heart of its operation.
“We are passionate about finding ways to minimise energy use, maximise recycling and proactively encourage biodiversity, as the design of this fantastic facility demonstrates, and we are equally passionate about being a good neighbour too, having a positive presence wherever we have a facility.
“I am confident that New Forest Crematorium will be a huge asset to the communities surrounding this beautiful part of England, extending our exceptional care and support to bereaved families in Hampshire.”
