Next stage in Bathurst Crematorium investment

The excavation on the reflection pond is obvious to motorists passing through the roundabout at the intersection of the Mitchell Highway and Bradwardine Road.

When completed, the reflection pond will hold the equivalent of eight Olympic swimming pools, or about eight million litres of water.

It’s just part of the development of the memorial gardens by the Canberra-based company Norwood Park. 

Its general manager Stephen Beer says the landscaping will certainly change that part of the city.

The landscaping follows the initial investment of $1.6 million to establish the crematorium.

This year alone Norwood Park has budgeted to spend $350,000 on its grounds.

“Apart from the water feature, we have already installed a rotunda centrepiece, tree plantings, lighting and pathways,” Mr Beer said. “We have also installed an organ in the crematorium due to the many requests received.”

Mr Beer said the bluestone on which memorial plaques will be attached in the gardens arrived on site last week.

“In fact, we anticipate to start rolling out the memorials in coming weeks,” he said. “The gardens offer a more informal setting where families can visit to remember their loved ones.”

Mr Beer said there was a lot involved with the landscaping at the site, but there was also major infrastructure work to be done that people won’t see.

“Things like underground power and irrigation has to go in. There will be lighting along the paths, with the rotunda a centrepiece where people can sit and contemplate. It will have a soothing outlook and will have a vista overlooking the water feature,” he said.

“We have a major tree planting program to get through as well. Once we get a lot of that done, we will develop memorials for the placement of ashes. Once they are built, they will be available for sale to families who have, in many cases, been waiting to inter the ashes of loved ones in a more picturesque and peaceful setting.”