Media release by Charnwood Borough Council.
Work starts on new cemetery in Loughborough
Construction work has started on a new cemetery in Loughborough.
Charnwood Borough Council is creating the new facility in Watermead Lane and it will include memorial gardens and space for natural burials.
The new cemetery is due to be ready in Spring 2022 for the first interments.
Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “I am pleased that work has begun to create a peaceful and respectful resting place which the town can be proud of.
“It will also be a place for reflection and offer visitors views up to the Outwoods.
“We have worked hard to ensure the landscaping blends into the rural surroundings while also bringing benefits to the local wildlife and environment.
“The Council is committed to investing in local services which are important to residents and this phase of the project will serve Loughborough over the next 100 years.
“I look forward to seeing it progress over the next few months and when it is completed.”
The cemetery is being developed in phases with the first phase including space for over 5,000 burials which on current burial trends will last for 100 years.
The Council has worked closely with ecologists and acted on their recommendations to ensure that the development will have no adverse impacts on surrounding habitats, protected species, and wildlife in general.
During the first stage of the project, around 200 new trees will be planted as well as a wide range of plants and shrubs, all of which will combine to provide food and habitat resources for wildlife.
Wildflowers and aquatic plants will further enhance the ecology together with repairs to existing hedgerows. Over 400 metres of new beech hedging will also be planted to provide corridors, foraging and protection for birds, mammals and reptiles.
Parking will also be available, and a new multi-use games area is being created for residents nearby as part of the project to allow for mini tennis, netball, basketball and football.
Vehicles will be able to access the proposed site via Nanpantan Road. The access road to the sports facility will be extended towards the proposed site.
The work is being carried out by idverde, the Council’s open spaces partner.
The current cemetery in Leicester Road is expected to run out of space within the next two years. The Council carried out a consultation exercise in 2018 to choose the location for a new one which is near Nanpantan Sports Ground and on land owned by the Council.
The town’s crematorium will remain in Leicester Road.
ENDS