Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium, established with an environmentally conscious design, has surpassed initial projections in its first year of operation.
A report prepared for the RBC Growth and Development Scrutiny Group meeting next week outlines a hugely successful first year for the facility.
This development which was completed in April 2023 aimed to provide a better choice for residents, focusing on sustainability and modern service.
Operational Success and Financial Performance
Since its opening on April 3, 2023, Rushcliffe Oaks has conducted 506 cremations, generating an impressive income of £485,640. This resulted in a surplus of £61,000, marking a significant achievement for the first year. The projected income for the second year is set at £710,556, reflecting a growth target of approximately £200,000.
Development and Sustainability Features
The initiative to build the crematorium began in November 2018, with construction starting in November 2021. Despite delays caused by supply chain issues and unforeseen circumstances like a factory fire affecting cladding suppliers, the project was completed with a total budget of £8.5 million. A notable feature of Rushcliffe Oaks is its electric cremator, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85%, contributing to its carbon-neutral operation. The excess heat from the cremator is repurposed to heat the building and water.
Community and Industry Engagement
Rushcliffe Oaks has been positively received by local funeral directors, with many choosing to use its services despite the proximity of other crematoria.
Feedback has highlighted the exceptional care provided by the staff, and several suggestions from funeral directors have been implemented to improve service quality further. The crematorium also hosted a visit from 34 South Korean delegates from the Ministry of Health and Welfare because they were impressed with images seen on the crematorium website.
Memorialisation and Future Plans
In its first year, the crematorium generated £15,920 from memorialisation sales, with expectations for this figure to grow as families make decisions regarding ashes. Additionally, introducing memorial options such as Stone Orbs, plaques, and kerbstones is anticipated to boost revenue further.
The unique addition of Maisie, the first crematorium comfort dog, has garnered media attention and enhanced the crematorium’s profile, including features on Radio Nottingham and ITV news.
Out of the 506 cremations, 376 were for Rushcliffe residents.
Continuous efforts are being made to strengthen relationships with funeral directors and promote the facility. Plans include the installation of bee hives, enhancements to the site’s drainage and footpaths, and expanding memorialisation options.
