A new burial meadow spanning 17 acres will be established in Oxford following the appointment of a landscaping specialist.
Blakedown Landscapes has been selected as the main contractor for the Oxford Burial Meadow project, which secured planning consent in April.
The scheme is scheduled to commence construction during autumn 2026, with completion anticipated by spring 2027.
The facility will be operated by Oxford Direct Services’ burial services division and is projected to provide burial provisions for approximately four and a half decades.
Councillor Anna Railton, who holds the portfolio for planning and zero carbon Oxford, stated that the initiative represents a crucial development for the city, guaranteeing continued provision of dignified and accessible burial facilities for residents over many years.
The proposal was designed not merely to address a fundamental requirement but also to boost biodiversity and establish a serene, natural setting where individuals can contemplate and honour loved ones.
The scheme received substantial public endorsement, and officials anticipate witnessing its realisation.
Situated adjacent to Oxford Road, the development will deliver a sustainable and respectful burial environment aligned with the city’s long-term requirements.
The parcel, currently utilised for agricultural purposes, will be converted into a public greenspace featuring burial sections, newly planted trees, wildflower zones, walkways, and seating areas.
The objective is to furnish visitors with a tranquil atmosphere whilst bolstering local wildlife populations.
Oxford City Council selected the location following a comprehensive search motivated by increasing scarcity of burial provisions within the authority’s boundaries.
Community engagement indicated overwhelming approval, with 91 percent of participants endorsing the proposals.
South Oxfordshire District Council sanctioned planning permission in April, and Oxford City Council’s cabinet earmarked £2.4 million for the initiative.
The development will prioritise environmental considerations and ecological diversity.
Proposals encompass expanding tree coverage, creating wildflower regions, and establishing a habitat rich in nature that sustains wildlife whilst offering a peaceful space for commemoration.
Blakedown Landscapes possesses in excess of half a century of expertise in landscaping and civil engineering projects, including assignments at heritage and environmental locations.
Chris Wellbelove, managing director at the firm, indicated that the company was honoured to have been entrusted with delivering the Oxford Burial Meadow.
The venture carries particular significance, requiring the creation of a lasting facility for burial and remembrance that will serve Oxford’s inhabitants for generations.
The organisation’s extensive background in executing landscape schemes emphasising biodiversity and sustainability provides the capabilities necessary to fulfil the council’s vision for the location.
Blakedown will collaborate closely with the authority to ensure timely completion, adherence to financial parameters, and delivery of excellent quality.