Lake View Bereavement Centre has been officially opened by Mrs Julie Spence, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, marking the beginning of a new chapter in bereavement care for East Cambridgeshire and the surrounding area.

Set within a lakeside landscape near Mepal, Lake View Bereavement Centre has been designed to provide families with time, space and support to say farewell to loved ones in a way that feels personal, meaningful and dignified.

The new facility includes a multi-faith chapel overlooking the lake, a natural burial meadow, memorial gardens, Snowdrop Lodge for gatherings and wakes, and a range of spaces designed to help families reflect and remember in peaceful natural surroundings.

Mrs Julie Spence joined representatives from East Cambridgeshire District Council, project partners, funeral professionals and invited guests for a special dedication ceremony and tour of the new centre.
The opening marks the culmination of several years of planning and construction, transforming the former sand and gravel quarry into a unique bereavement facility that places nature, sustainability and community at its heart.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

"Today is a proud and emotional moment for everyone who has been involved in bringing Lake View Bereavement Centre to life.

"From the very beginning, our ambition was to create something more than a crematorium. We wanted to create a place where families could take the time they need to say goodbye, where people could return to remember those they love, and where the beauty of nature could offer comfort during life's most difficult moments.

"Standing here today and seeing that vision become a reality is incredibly special.

"Lake View belongs to the people of East Cambridgeshire. Whether someone is arranging a funeral, attending one of our bereavement cafés, walking through the memorial gardens or simply finding a moment of peace beside the lake, we hope this will become a valued community asset for generations to come."

Mrs Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, said:

"It is a privilege to officially open Lake View Bereavement Centre.

"The care and thought that has gone into the design of this beautiful setting is evident throughout. It offers families a peaceful and supportive environment at a time when compassion, dignity and understanding matter most.

"The centre will undoubtedly become an important place for local communities, not only to remember loved ones but also to find comfort, connection and reflection in its remarkable natural surroundings."

A key feature of the development is its commitment to the environment. The site has been carefully designed around existing natural features and includes habitat enhancements, a wildflower meadow and the reintroduction of native plant species. It also has one of the country's few electric cremators, helping to minimise carbon emissions while supporting local biodiversity. The centre's vision also emphasises providing exceptional care in a beautiful setting where families can remember, mourn and celebrate the lives of loved ones in ways that are uniquely personal. 

The centre will also provide ongoing support for bereaved families through community events, remembrance activities and bereavement cafés, recognising that support does not end after a funeral service. This reflects the centre's broader aim of being a welcoming place that people can return to time and again. 

Lake View Bereavement Centre is now open and welcoming visitors who wish to learn more about its services, explore the grounds or spend quiet time in its peaceful surroundings.

For more information, visit the Lake View Bereavement Centre website www.lakeviewbereavementcentre.com, follow it on Facebook or contact the Bereavement Services Team on 01353 665240 or email lakeview@eastcambs.gov.uk