New Forest Crematorium officially opens doors
The chapel can seat 117 guests, with additional standing room available, and the site offers parking for 111 cars
New Forest Crematorium has officially opened its doors in Hampshire to serve the communities in and around New Milton, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Developed by the Westerleigh Group, the crematorium offers environmentally-friendly facilities set within secluded grounds, in a bid to minimise pollution in the local community and to protect existing wildlife habitats and nature of the New Forest National Park.
The development includes a chapel building which features a roof lantern, making it a landmark for the site. All in all, the chapel can seat 117 guests, with “significant” additional standing room.
Additionally, the site offers parking for 111 cars, with overflow areas available, and standard service times are offered at 45-minute intervals.
New Forest Crematorium also features advanced technology in a bid to help to minimise emissions.
Media facilities include an “extensive” music library, enabling live webcasts to take place, and there are tribute screens and speakers outside the chapel under a covered area to enable larger congregations to participate in services.
Graeme Horobin, site manager, 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.”
Debbie Smith, Westerleigh chief executive officer, 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.”
