Plot twist: Weddings are welcome at Evergreen, Enfield Memorial Park

A striking new $25m function centre that can cater for up to 500 guests is weeks away from opening – and it’s set inside an Adelaide cemetery. Here is a sneak peek.

A new $25 million-dollar function centre that’s set in the heart of a sprawling cemetery will open its doors within weeks, catering for wide-ranging events with up to 500 guests.

Dubbed a “world-class facility” it’s hoped the striking Evergreen development at Enfield Memorial Park will alter the way people view cemeteries and cater for changing funeral day trends.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a community asset that will serve South Australians for decades to come … we want to show this sort of space is not just for funerals,” Adelaide Cemeteries CEO Michael Robertson said.

“We have one wedding (already) pencilled in at this point … it is a beautiful event space with panoramic views to the coast, set within the largest area of manicured parklands in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

“There is not a lot in this area that will cater for 500 people standing.”

Adelaide Cemeteries CEO Michael Robertson in front of the new Evergreen development at Enfield Memorial Park. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The venue’s circular design, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows, was inspired by the park’s original road network and aims to create “a softness and timelessness” to the building.

It includes a new lounge area with capacity for 350 guests to sit down for a three-course meal or 500 to stand for finger food options.

Mr Robertson said a European trend to serve funeral guests a sit-down meal was becoming increasingly popular here.

The state-of-the-art event centre, built at the fully-irrigated lawn cemetery that spans 30 hectares and boasts more than 1400 shrubs and 50 trees, has five function and reflection rooms which can accommodate between 20 and 500 guests.

The new venue offers panoramic views and floor to ceiling windows. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The smallest service space allows viewing of the cremator, through soundproof glass, which is important in some cultures.

A nature play space, believed to be the first built inside a cemetery in Australia, has been created adjacent to the cafe.

“Like the cafe, it is designed to invite families in to use this beautiful, peaceful green space … we are trying to re-educate people, that it is OK to come into these places and enjoy the space – it also gives people an opportunity to talk about death,” Mr Robertson said.

In a national first, a nature play space has been incorporated as part of the Evergreen build at Enfield Memorial Park. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Arun Ramchand, the site’s customer experience general manager, said 45 culturally-diverse community groups were consulted in the lead-up to the development, including around the types of food and beverage options they wanted.

He said local produce would be at the heart of all offerings, including South Australian wine.

“The requirements from families (for funerals) is definitely changing ... traditionally

it has been biscuits, coffee and tea but it is now a more bespoke event, the family wants something different to remember their loved one,” Mr Ramchand said.

“We are also seeing more evening and weekend weddings.”

In addition to the entertainment facility, the cemetery operator is the first in the nation to gain internationally-recognised environmental certification, installing three new environmentally-friendly cremators.