Crematorium services will move temporarily to the Royal Jersey Showground from the start of the autumn so that construction of the new hospital at Overdale can begin – months later than originally expected.

The government had originally announced in December that all multi-faith and non-religious services would move to the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society’s headquarters in Trinity in spring 2025 to ensure they were not disturbed by building work.

However, it has now been confirmed that the change will instead happen in September, with minor works to the RJA&HS’s Members’ Room at the Showground taking place this summer.

Cremations, interments, and the use of the Garden of Remembrance will remain at Westmount, with the office and rose gardens open as usual.

Ensuring that islanders can continue to say goodbye to loved ones in a respectful and dignified environment has been a key priority throughout the planning of the new Acute Hospital

Health Minister Tom binet

Health Minister Tom Binet said: “Ensuring thatislanders can continue to say goodbye to loved ones in a respectful and dignified environment has been a key priority throughout the planning of the new Acute Hospital.

“The relocation of services to the RJA&HS site allows us to maintain that dignity once construction starts at Overdale in the months ahead, given the very close proximity of the crematorium to the building site.”

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan added: “I would like to thank crematorium staff, the Crematorium User Group, and the RJA&HS for their collaboration, and I’m pleased that local contractors are playing a central role in delivering this important refurbishment work for the island.”

Services at the Showground will be held four days per week, similar to the current schedule.

This site has 50 parking spaces, capacity for up to 100 mourners in the Members’ Room, full disabled access, and a private area for mourners to gather privately before and after services.

Services which are too large for the current Crematorium already take place at the Showground and this arrangement will continue.

When it comes to the new acute hospital at Overdale, a ‘Main Works Delivery Partner’ who will lead the project, is expected to be appointed in the coming months.

A preferred tenderer for the construction works is expected to be agreed by the end of September, with the signing of main contract and works following.

The hospital will include an emergency department, critical care, women and children’s services, elective and emergency operating theatres, and all inpatient wards where an overnight stay is required.