Leading contractor Kier has officially signed a contract with East Cambridgeshire District Council to deliver its new bereavement centre near Mepal.
Work is set to begin on the project in August. The design includes a crematorium, natural burial area, pet cemetery, a function room for wakes and community use, a memorial tributes walkway and a remembrance garden, all set within flower meadows and wildlife walks, with views overlooking the lake.
As well as giving residents a beautiful and peaceful setting in which to say goodbye to and remember their loved ones, the brownfield site is being skilfully developed to enhance the significant biodiversity and ecology that exists.
Kier is a leading provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments, committed to delivering for communities and leaving lasting legacies through its work.
A significant part of this project involves making sure endangered plants and animals, which have moved in since the site was last used and now restrict its potential for development, are protected and enhanced.
Many of the materials being used in the build and landscaping are recycled, including recycled plastic waste used for cladding, and a bund of earth which was extracted during the building of Angel Drove Car Park in Ely.
This will be used to create an area for planting native trees and wildflowers.
The cremator itself will be one of only a handful in the country to run on electricity which will enable the council to operate it on a green energy tariff.
Following the signing of the contract, Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "After many years of planning, we are delighted to get to the stage of signing the contracts for the new crematorium.
“We have chosen to work with Kier because of their passion for producing sustainable projects which meet the needs of local communities.
“We were very impressed with their commitment to bring an additional £2.25 million in “social value” to the district through the creation of local jobs through the build phase, volunteering, and using local suppliers and supply chains.
“We will be providing regular updates about the project and eagerly watching as the build progresses.”
Tom Martin, regional director, Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “We look forward to embarking on this project with East Cambridgeshire District Council. With sustainability and community at the heart of the design, this project aligns with Kier’s commitment to deliver sustainable infrastructure and to leave a lasting legacy for local communities.”
For more information, visit our Bereavement centre webpages.