PLANS for a new crematorium were passed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on Wednesday 3 May.
Following approval by Cabinet on Thursday 20 April, a report went before the Council to approve the construction of a crematorium, including gardens of remembrance and associated landscaping and parking. The crematorium, which will be owned and managed by the Council, will be built on the site of the former Blakeston School Playing Fields on Junction Road in Roseworth.
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “We know that the Borough’s population is growing and that over the last six years, more families have opted for cremation rather than burial for their loved ones – so it’s clear that there is a real need for the Borough to have a modern crematorium facility of its own.
“Last year we carried out a consultation where more than 90% of respondents were in favour of building a crematorium. We want to be able to meet the needs of our bereaved families and that’s why we are proposing to build and operate a facility that would charge reasonable rates for a vital service.
“Any funds left over after running costs have been met would be put back into the Council’s services to serve and benefit all residents. Through this approach, rather than benefitting any commercial operator, we can reinvest these funds to help prevent further cuts to services and continue with our ambitious plans for the Borough.”
The facility will cost a total of £6.35m to build with construction costs met by prudential borrowing and ongoing running costs absorbed within the operating budget.
The next steps for the project involve developing the design for a full planning application later this year.
For more information, contact crematorium@stockton.gov.uk or telephone 01642 527720.