Removing the Crematorium from its present site

WQ.73/2021

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE

ASSISTANT CHIEF MINISTER

BY THE DEPUTY OF ST. MARY

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 1st MARCH 2021

Question

In relation to the new hospital project at Overdale, will the Minister advise whether any consideration has being given to the relocation of the Crematorium in order to incorporate that site into the area designated for the hospital; and, if so, have the following been part of any such consideration –

1. the reduction of the effect on (and the need to acquire) neighbouring properties;
2. the improvement of traffic flow in the area by eliminating that currently associated with the Crematorium;
3. the provision of a larger Crematorium (including parking facilities);
4. the appropriateness, arising from their respective functions, of having a Crematorium sited next to a hospital;

and, if consideration has not yet been given to the above, will he confirm that such consideration will now be given?

Answer

Relocating the crematorium is not within the brief for the Our Hospital project and the Overdale site does not include this piece of land. However, the Our Hospital team are currently liaising with colleagues in Customer and Local Services (which is responsible for the crematorium) to ensure that the needs of the facility are considered throughout the development process, including issues such as car parking, for example.

Hospital designers are working to a brief in which the Crematorium remains in-situ into the short to medium term. It is recognised across the Government that, as is the case with all buildings and facilities, the Crematorium facility and equipment has an operational lifetime and will need to be replaced or relocated at some point. However, a separate capital project would be required to move or rebuild the crematorium and, if agreed in future that it should be re-sited, some of the current site might become available as expansion space for the hospital in the longer term. Areas such as the gardens of remembrance and war memorials would be carefully and respectfully considered.

1. the reduction of the effect on (and the need to acquire) neighbouring properties;

The Crematorium is not included in the footprint of the hospital at Overdale so the effect on neighbouring properties is not changed.

2. the improvement of traffic flow in the area by eliminating that currently associated with the Crematorium;

As part of the planning process for a new hospital, impact assessments will be undertaken that consider traffic movements and parking arrangements.

3. the provision of a larger Crematorium (including parking facilities);

This will be an issue for any future capital project to relocate/redesign the crematorium.

4. the appropriateness, arising from their respective functions, of having a Crematorium sited next to a hospital;

The crematorium is currently situated next to hospital facilities at Overdale. Any project to rebuild or relocate it will carefully consider the sensitivity of location in future.