A NEW funeral ‘SuperVenue’ and crematorium is set to open next month - offering families more personal options to remember loved ones.
Vale of York Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, located in Sand Hutton near York, will begin welcoming visitors from Tuesday, November 17.
Developed by Westerleigh Group, the building is the first of its kind in Yorkshire, offering unique technology from Obitus which allows families to customise services through immersive visuals and soundscapes.
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Nikki Anderson, manager at Vale of York Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, said: "I am proud to be the first manager of this exceptional crematorium, which will bring greater choice to local communities with all the care and extremely high standards of service that Westerleigh Group is known for.
"The SuperVenue technology has proved extremely popular at the other Westerleigh Group crematoria where it has been installed, and I am really looking forward to supporting the bereaved in creating the most memorable and individually tailored tributes to their loved ones."
The crematorium is located on a 13-acre site off the A64 on Arcot Lane, near Sand Hutton, and has been designed to serve families across York and North Yorkshire.
Its contemporary chapel can seat up to 112 guests, with additional standing space and external screens for larger gatherings, and parking for 127 cars - including accessible spaces.
As reported by The Press, the SuperVenue features include a projected theme on the chapel’s front wall, co-ordinated lighting, and synchronised sound - all tailored to reflect the personality and life of the person being remembered.
A welcome screen outside will display the loved one’s name and photo as guests arrive, setting the tone for the service, whilst a variety of visual themes will be available, such as landscapes, pastimes, florals, accent colours, or even football stadiums.
An impression showing how the North York Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, in Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire, could look.
Images on the canvas can be accompanied with co-ordinated lighting and sound, which could include pictures of the deceased or visual or themed tributes and webcasts of services would also be offered.
A moveable catafalque, the structure supporting the coffin, can be put in the centre of the chapel or closer to mourners in accordance with their wishes.
Services will last for up to an hour, but can be extended upon request.
Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 other sites across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Nikki added: "We are holding a community open day on Saturday, November 21, between 10am and 2pm, when everyone is welcome to come and visit our brand-new crematorium and our beautifully landscaped memorial gardens, which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
"It will be wonderful to meet members of our local communities and for them to get to know us, as we aim to provide a positive presence in the area, as well as the essential support and care when families need it."
More information is available at www.valeofyorkcrematorium.co.uk or through local funeral directors.