Start date set for new Derby crematorium

How the new Markeaton Crematorium could look after rebuild. Image by Derby City Council.

The start date for a multi-million pound new purpose-built Derby crematorium has been revealed.

Markeaton Crematorium opened in the mid 1950s but the existing buildings “are becoming dated” following decades of use, say Derby City Council chiefs.

Now a plan is firmly in place to build a new £11 million facility which “meets the needs of Derby for years to come”.

Council bosses are planning on building the new crematorium on land next to the current site on Markeaton Lane – Derby’s only crematorium.

The existing crematorium building will be demolished as part of the proposals, but the memorials, gardens and ash scattering areas on the original site will be protected and maintained. The stained glass memorial windows in the large chapel will be transferred to the new site.

It is hoped the new site will have improved and more car parking access and multi-faith facilities suitable for a range of beliefs and traditions.

A public consultation on the proposals is due to close on Wednesday, November 18th.

The council previously set aside £11m for the project. At the time there was a major concern that the site’s cremators were “beyond end of life and at risk of failure”.

A council report said: “A temporary standalone cremator was installed to provide resilience for the service, but a permanent solution is now needed”.

But new financial papers published this week show that construction work is scheduled for the middle of 2028 following feasibility assessments.

However, the papers confirm there has been a £2.9m “slippage” for the project.

The council said the slippage was not added costs but is part of the £11m set aside, which it now expects to spend later than first planned.

The delay has happened because the feasibility work “identified a need for additional design development, site investigations and programme refinement before construction can commence”.

The public consultation is available on the council’s Lets Talk Derby website.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, cabinet member for Streetpride, Parks, and Leisure said: “We now have an opportunity to create a new facility that will continue the important work for generations to come.

“Dignity, respect and compassion are at the heart of our plans for the crematorium, and the new facility will be designed as a sustainable and dignified place that will serve our city for years to come.”