Cremator upgrade underway

Published on 20 September 2024

The City of Launceston is overseeing the final stages of a major refurbishment of the cremator at Carr Villa Memorial Park.

First installed in 1985, the cremator has seen a number of repairs and minor upgrades over the years, with a larger refurbishment now required.

The works in recent weeks have involved the full removal and replacement of the main chamber's brickwork, subfloor and walls, as well as the tertiary chamber.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the project would extend the life of the cremator by an estimated 20 years.

"This refurbishment project required the cremator to be out of operation for four weeks and we've worked closely with local funeral homes so that they have been able to put alternative cremation arrangements in place during this time," Mayor Garwood said.

"With works nearing completion, we expect the cremator to be operational again in a matter of days."

Carr Villa Memorial Park Business Leader Eve Gibbons said the cremator was an important piece of community infrastructure.

"Carr Villa Memorial Park's Crematorium has been providing cremation services to our community since 1939, and today conducts over 400 cremations annually," Ms Gibbons said.

"With cremation now becoming the more popular choice compared to burial, the cremator refurbishment project will ensure Carr Villa Memorial Park continues to provide the community an important option when it comes to cremation services."