Adelaide Cemeteries Authority to build $23 million community precinct at Enfield Memorial Park
A $23 million “world-class” community precinct, with a cafe, reflection rooms and florist, is set to be developed at Australia’s first lawn cemetery in Adelaide’s north.
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A $23 million community centre will be built at Enfield Memorial Park, in a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to turn the cemetery into a “world-class” precinct.
Adelaide Cemeteries Authority has applied to the state’s planning panel to build a “multi-function community precinct” at the Clearview ground.
It will have function rooms, cafe, florist, nature play area and “reflection rooms” for funeral services catering from 20 to 450 people.
The building, designed by architect firm Walter Brooke & Associates, will be constructed on undeveloped land to the west of the cemetery’s existing offices and crematorium.
It will create 203 jobs during construction, which is expected to start in February next year and be completed in mid-2022.
Adelaide Cemeteries chief executive office Robert Pitt said the “world-class” development would enhance the ground’s existing gardens and grounds.
“Established in 1946, Enfield Memorial Park has served the South Australian community for more than 70 years,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new community asset at Enfield that will help redefine how cemeteries are perceived and used within our community.”
Mr Pitt said, according to Adelaide Cemeteries research, the number of annual deaths in SA would double by 2050.
“In addition, people’s end of life wishes are evolving and becoming more diverse,” he said.
“Adelaide Cemeteries needs to respond to these changes.”
He said the Browning St ground – which was Australia’s first lawn cemetery – was already popular with walkers and joggers.
“The addition of a facility with versatile function rooms, a café and a nature play space will encourage more visitors to what is a hidden jewel in the Enfield area,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said the new centre would have cremators which complied with European environmental standards.
“This means that the new crematorium, when operational, will reduce current emissions by up to 90 per cent,” Mr Pitt said.
Community consultation on the development closes on September 4.
Originally published as Adelaide Cemeteries Authority to build $23 million community precinct at Enfield Memorial Park