We are pleased to be update you on progress with the new build at Roborough. The weather has been challenging at times with the various incoming storms. However, Classic Builders have been very dogged in tackling the resultant challenges, including much mud! We remain very close to our target opening date.
Below are some of the current pictures that demonstrate progress.

Meantime, we have appointed a very experienced manager, Tracy Lawrence. Tracy comes to us from a recent new build in Northamptonshire and has 25 years’ experience in crematorium management. She holds the ICCM Diploma with Honours and in due course we will introduce her to all funeral directors.

Fig 1 Steel Frames

Since the last update you will notice the walls coming up quickly between the steel frames.

Fig 2 Aerial view

This second view gives a clear idea of the cortege road to the west and the car park area to the south. Once again, although the trees are currently leafless it does indicate the extent of the green canopy we can expect in spring. During January the roof will be fixed and internal work can begin including preparing for the cremation
plant.

Fig 3 Yennadon Stone Finishes

One of the features of the new crematorium will be the use of local Yennadon stone finishes. Not only will this feature in the external walls but also in the chapel and in the exit foyer. This will introduce a rural and rustic feel to the building reminiscent of an agricultural barn. The administration area will be clad in British larch which over
time will give up its golden hue to a natural grey finish.

It is our intention to hold an update meeting for funeral directors, clergy and celebrants on the 1st of April, at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel at 7.00pm, we will advise details by e-mail.

We remain focused on opening this facility at the earliest possible time. At the moment we expect the crematorium to be accepting cremations in the third week of May. We have been greatly encouraged by the interest and enthusiasm of funeral directors we have spoken to and look forward eagerly to the opening.
If you would like to visit the site whilst work progresses, please contact us directly and will be pleased to arrange this.

Important Dates for your Diary:
1st of April 2025 – Funeral Directors and Officiants Meeting
29th of May 2025 – Expected Operational Opening
30th of July 2025 – Official Dedication and Opening of the Crematorium

Much has changed since the site was broken on the 15 July.  As you can see the access road is already in place and makes a wonderful woodland entrance to the tranquillity of the impending building. The weather has been largely kind allowing construction to progress at good speed and in line with expectation. We are grateful to our contractor Classic Construction of Plymouth.

Fig 1 Access Road

One of the things that has been particularly pleasing is that the surrounding trees have offered a beautiful backdrop and will do so for future users of the crematorium.

Fig 2 Aerial view

The above demonstrates how well the site is protected from visual and noise intrusion. When the construction is finished the views to the west over the valley and towards Bodmin Moor are dramatic and imposing.

Fig 3 Steels in place

The arrival of the steel has given us a very clear outline of building. As you look at it the top of the picture will be the crematory, the middle will be the chapel or ceremony hall and the bottom will be towards the office block. The arc to the right is the chapel exit point.

Our intention is to issue a further series of progress updates, one in early January and then a virtual walk through in late April. We have been greatly encouraged by the interest and enthusiasm of funeral directors and positive comments from the public.

Pictured during the turf cutting for the Tamar Valley Crematorium. Back row; George Hussey, Neil Baker and Steve Joy (Classic Builders), Patrick Deigan (ADG Architects), Rob Cameron (Macegreen Consulting), Steve Hole (Classic Builders), Ayesha Slader (president Cornwall NAFD). Front row; Karen Hussey (president Devon NAFD) Carol Spencer, Steve Sheridan (director TVC) Chris Johns (director TVC) Barry Spencer, Ryan Borkowski (Macegreen Consulting).

Construction has started on the new crematorium. See the gallery below.

 

 

You may be aware of a proposal to develop a crematorium to the north of Plymouth to be known by the above name.

It is intended to serve a wide area of the Tamar Valley broadly bounded by Plymouth, Okehampton and Launceston and encompassing the smaller towns of Saltash, Tavistock and Callington amongst others.

The proposal is being made by an experienced team with a long track record in the construction, management and operation of such facilities, most latterly at East Devon Crematorium near Honiton. We believe that bereaved families deserve a choice and Tamar Valley Crematorium will be distinctly different to the new municipal site under construction at Saltram.

The crematorium will of course require planning permission and need to meet all the environmental requirements. Equally important to the developers are the views of local residents and businesses. For this reason your thoughts will be helpful in shaping the future of the project.

We have therefore setup this website so that you can let us know your thoughts. You may prefer to leave these anonymously but we will give more weight to those from identifiable locals. Once we have responses, and if there is sufficient demand, we intend to hold an information evening at which you can meet the team and ask questions.

Thank you in anticipation of your help.