O’Brien were appointed as Principal Contractor for the extension of the Rowley Regis Cemetery, Powke Lane following a competitive tender exercise.
Works consisted of the construction of a new cemetery with burial areas, access roads a new office building and toilets for staff and mourners with service area and storage for machinery. Improvements to the existing access, including highways works, in-situ reinforced concrete retaining walls. Associated works were carried out to a residential property adjacent to the new cemetery, as well as enhancement of the existing canal-side path and woodland areas.
The new cemetery was constructed on open space land opposite the existing Rowley Regis Crematorium and Cemetery which is almost close to capacity after 100 years and new burial space was required. The cemetery will provide burial space for Sandwell residents for the next 50 years.
Ecological Enhancements and Protection of Green Space
O’Brien have years of experience working on small and extensive areas of ecological / natural importance on our projects, enhancing and protecting them.
The Powke Lane site is classed, as being of local importance for Nature Conservation Plans. The landscaping works, enhanced wooded areas and works on the former canal arm will boost the ecology of the site. The completed cemetery and the surrounding open space will be a sanctuary for wildlife.
The cemetery project takes up 30% of the open space, leaving the remaining 70% of the popular public open space, for local residents to continue to enjoy. The public space remaining has been much improved and ecologically enhanced as part of our works, providing enjoyment for walks and other activities, along with better and safer access onto the site.
Liaising with Residents
Works were carried out sensitively, minimising disruption to residents as much as possible, liaising with the owners of adjacent properties affected by the works and providing regular updates during the course of the project.
Social Value Commitment
A Gift to Enhance Biodiversity of the Site!
As part of our commitment to the environment we gifted bird boxes, bat boxes and insect houses to our client for use in the new cemetery grounds. The items were purchased from the National Trust, where timber products are made from FSC certified materials, and where money from every purchase goes back into looking after other important sites. Read more about this on the link below.
Giving Back to the Community Charity Donation
As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities in which we work, O’Brien donated £1,500 to the New Beginnings Charity based in Smethwick. The charity provides, through registered referral agencies, ‘Newborn Bundles’ for the most vulnerable mothers in the local communities. These consist of a Moses Basket filled with toiletries and clothing for the first six weeks or so of a new baby’s life, gifted to families in need. The charity relies on donations from the public and are volunteer led. Follow the link for more information on the charity.
https://www.newbeginningscommunity.co.uk/
Keeping it Local!
As part of our commitment to social value on our projects, O’Brien utilised local Black Country based local suppliers and specialist subcontractors for the project to reduce transport distance and to support the surrounding local economy.
We also provided local staff resources for the project, achieving reduced travel times and distance to site, contributing towards our commitment to reducing our emissions.
