Lakeside bereavement centre

An artist's impression of the district's first multi-faith bereavement centre, dedicated to supporting the family and friends of the 90,000 people living in East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire District Council is to build a state-of-the-art ecological bereavement centre alongside a beautiful lakeside setting at Mepal.

The plan for the council-owned land includes a crematorium, natural burial area and a pet cemetery. 

Set within flower meadows and woodland walks with views overlooking the lake, it will give the residents of East Cambridgeshire a beautiful and peaceful setting in which to say goodbye to and remember their loved ones.

The site has also been thoughtfully designed to protect and enhance the significant biodiversity and ecology that exists alongside the lake.

The use of solar panels will mean it is one of the first electric cremators in the county to be powered by renewable energy. 

Council Leader, Cllr Anna Bailey, said: "Losing a loved one and coming face to face with grief is often the hardest thing any of us encounter. Death is very much a part of life and something we all need to come to terms with. But the people of East Cambridgeshire must often travel long distances, outside the area we love and are familiar with, to say our final goodbyes. This new bereavement centre will provide us with a beautiful, tranquil and peaceful setting where we not only go to say farewell to loved ones, but can return to again and again to keep them alive in our hearts. This is a unique offering, and, in my mind, there is nothing more precious we can give."

You can find out more about the project here: