The Lake View Bereavement Centre, formerly Mepal Crematorium, has officially reached the halfway point in construction, according to East Cambridgeshire District Council. The facility is designed to provide cremation and natural burial services in a lakeside setting near Mepal, combining modern architecture with landscaped grounds.
“Seeing the new steels of the building emerging from the ground is exciting. You can really start to see the potential… and see how it will grow into something beautiful and inspiring,” said Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council.
Kier Construction, the main contractor, reported over £680,000 in social value from volunteering, apprenticeships, and charitable donations during construction.
Butterfly-Shaped Chapel and Lakeside Grounds Take Shape
Key features now visible on-site include:
- A multi-faith chapel with a distinctive butterfly-shaped roof
- Covered walkway connecting the chapels
- Porte-cochère, function room, and smaller chapel of rest
- Landscaped grounds preserving natural features, including a mature oak tree
- Foundations for a flower court and memorial gardens
The council emphasises that these elements will provide families with a peaceful environment to reflect and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
Environmental Design and Sustainability Features Highlighted
The Lake View Bereavement Centre incorporates eco-friendly design elements:
- Collaboration with The Wildlife Trust to protect and enhance habitats
- Use of recycled materials, including plastic cladding and earth from Ely’s Angel Drove Car Park
- An electric cremator capable of running on a green energy tariff
- Plans for solar panels to further reduce the carbon footprint
The council has stressed that sustainability and community engagement are at the heart of the project.
Public Concerns Over Digester Plant, Noise, and Smell
Residents have voiced strong opposition to the site’s location and environmental factors; ironically their thoughts have been shared to the council’s own Facebook page.
- John Loveridge: “Immediately to the north is a digester plant that is noisy and extremely smelling all year round.”
- Tanya Knighton: “I had to launch ‘Operation Thalia,’ closing vents and recycling the air in the car to avoid an asthma attack.”
- Simon Hazeldine: “Even with all the car windows closed the smell was still vile… the whole project stinks too.”
- Mark James Mason: “We are gathered here to mourn. What the hell’s that stink???”
These comments highlight concerns about the unpleasant odours and constant noise from nearby industrial activity.
Traffic, Access, and Funeral Procession Challenges Raised by Residents
Access and traffic have also been heavily criticised:
- Kevin Carpenter: “Imagine being late for your own funeral because you were stuck in a massive queue behind a tractor heading to the digester.”
- Claire KTW: “Kevin Carpenter with beet falling off the trailers onto the cortège.”
- Rachel Burry: “Mourners cannot access the site via public transport… purely due to the poor location, I believe myself and family will use the March or maybe Cambridge facility.”
Other residents highlighted the busy trunk road, nearby quarry, and potential congestion affecting funeral processions.
Cost and Political Debate Surrounding Mepal Crematorium Project
The project has faced criticism over escalating costs and funding sources:
- Initial estimates: £6.5–9 million
- Approved May 2025: Nearly £13 million due to inflation and construction challenges
- Funding source: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Critics argue that public funds could have been better spent:
- Paul Muir: “Over £13m was taken from much-needed community funding meant for East Cambs.”
- Francis Lillis: “Very few people support this outrage… I will vote and speak against councillors who supported this forever.”
Despite this, the council maintains that the facility will provide unique value for the local community.
Supportive Residents Welcome New Bereavement Facility
Not all feedback has been negative:
- Suzanne Lindsay: “This is something that is missing around here… several of the ‘naysayers’ will be grateful for this sanctuary when their time comes.”
- Ely & East Cambridgeshire Conservatives: “The site has a USP – it’s absolutely stunning.”
- Amanda Halls: “It does look like an island there! I hope it (and the burials) stay out of the water. It certainly will be picturesque!”
Supporters highlight the serene lakeside setting and the potential for community engagement through memorial gardens and events.
Project History, Timeline, and Budget Updates
The Lake View Bereavement Centre project has evolved over several years:
- 2022: Planning approval granted for the crematorium on the former Mepal Outdoor Centre site
- January 2025: £9m construction plan announced
- May 2025: Project budget rose to nearly £13 million
- September 2025: Facility officially named Lake View Bereavement Centre
- Summer 2026: Target opening
The facility will accommodate up to five cremations per day, offering both cremation and natural burial services.
