Timaru District Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft landscape plan for the district’s new cemetery at Claremont Road.

The consultation is open until 10 September 2025, and Council is encouraging residents to share their views on this significant long-term project.

The new cemetery is being developed to meet the needs of the Timaru community for the next 100 years, as the existing Timaru Cemetery is expected to reach capacity within the next five to ten years.

The draft design, prepared by Glasson Huxtable Landscape Architects and Perspective Consulting, is based on the concept of a “cemetery within a park.” It aims to create a peaceful, inclusive space that provides space for remembrance in an environment integrated with nature and biodiversity.

The plan includes zones for traditional burials, ash interment, natural burials, and future development, alongside features such as walking paths, reflection areas, and native planting to enhance the site’s ecological value.

Garth Nixon, Acting Parks and Recreation Manager said that in the design concept Council has tried to address some of the initial concerns raised during initial targeted consultation.

“There were issues raised such as groundwater safety, traffic management, and property screening have been considered in the draft plan.

“These measures include careful drainage design, leachate controls, and a 50-metre setback from waterways.

“We’ve also worked on traffic and access improvements including Intersection upgrades, footpath connections, and internal circulation design.

“To reflect the increasing diversity of the community the site will also be designed to offer flexible burial options, provision for diverse cultural practices, and inclusive amenities such as seating, shade, and accessible pathways.”

In choosing a site for the new cemetery, Council assessed more than 27 alternatives. Many were unsuitable due to size, soil conditions, flooding risk, or distance from Timaru. Claremont Road was selected for its accessibility, stable subsoil, and capacity to serve intergenerational needs.

Council now owns the land proposed as a the new cemetery site. Relevant consents will be progressed over the next few years following community feedback and Council adoption of the final landscape plan.

The draft landscape plan is available to download at www.timaru.govt.nz/newcemetery or at King George Place and Timaru Library.

Feedback can be submitted by email to parks@timdc.govt.nz, by post to Timaru District Council (Parks Team, PO Box 522, Timaru 7940), or at Council service centres. All comments must be received by 10 September 2025.