Derby gets a say on Markeaton Crematorium on 3 October

Derby residents, visitors and businesses can examine plans for a replacement Markeaton Crematorium and give their views at a free public consultation on Saturday 3 October. The event runs from 10am to 1pm at Derby City Lab and is open to anyone within those groups who wants to respond to the proposals.

The in-person session offers a chance to see how Derby City Council proposes to replace a building that has served the city since 1956. Attendees can comment on the planned design, facilities and overall character of the new crematorium before the scheme develops further.

A new building beside the existing crematorium

The proposal would place a purpose-built crematorium on neighbouring council-owned land beside the current facility. It is intended to provide a calm, dignified setting with accessible facilities, spaces for reflection and consideration for different faiths and cultural practices.

Under the plans, the existing crematorium building would eventually be demolished. Its memorial-stained glass windows, originally funded by public donations, would be carefully removed and incorporated into the replacement building.

The memorials, gardens and ash-scattering areas on the original site would be protected and maintained. A connection between the old and new sites would allow the existing grounds to continue serving as a memorial and ash-scattering garden.

Sustainability and memorial plans are open for comment

Visitors to Derby City Lab will also be able to consider proposals for modern energy-efficient cremators and air-filtration systems. Measures intended to support biodiversity and manage water sustainably form part of the design outlined by the council.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said the consultation was intended to help shape a facility that reflects the needs of the city. The council says feedback from residents, visitors, stakeholders and businesses will be considered as the plans develop.

The session therefore covers more than the appearance of the proposed building. Participants can respond to how the crematorium would feel and function for families, staff and the wider community, as well as how the established memorial features would be carried forward.

Practical details for the Derby City Lab session

The in-person consultation takes place at Derby City Lab from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 3 October and is free to attend. It is open to residents, visitors and businesses; the supplied event information does not state an advance-booking requirement or provide a street address, transport guidance or event-specific accessibility details.

Anyone unable to attend the session can still view the consultation and submit feedback online through Let’s Talk Derby. The online consultation remains open until Wednesday 18 November.

Source: Derby City Council