Eltham Crematorium is preparing to upgrade its cremators as the existing equipment nears the end of its lifespan. This has prompted a review of maintenance costs versus replacement, a decision that was discussed at the Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The Bereavement Services Manager's report highlighted the increasing need to consider the timeline for installing new cremators, especially given that the current cremators are approaching the end of their expected lifespan. Members were asked to weigh the costs of maintaining the current cremators against the investment in new equipment. The report also provided an overview of cremation numbers, memorial sales, and operational issues at the crematorium.
The meeting also addressed the 2024/25 year-end financial position and the projected financial position for Period 2 of 2025/26, as presented in the Finance Manager's Treasurer Report. The report included details on the Repairs & Renewals balance, the Donations balance, and distribution payments made to Greenwich, Bexley, and Dartford councils. However, specific financial details were not made publicly available.
In addition to the cremator upgrade, the committee noted a report from the Programme Manager, Capital Projects & Property Maintenance, outlining a three-year works programme for 2024-2027. The programme, now expected to be delivered over two years in 2025 and 2026, includes a range of refurbishment and renewal projects. These include refurbishment of the West Chapel waiting room, kitchen renewal, pond refurbishment, path renewal, Danstoker refurbishment, flower pavilion window repairs, repointing of the Book of Remembrance and cloisters, roof renewals, main office WC demolition and alterations, disabled WC demolition and alterations, vestry WC demolition and alterations, North Chapel refurbishment, and external works.