Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has agreed a price rise for non-residents ahead of the opening of the £5m new crematorium at Doagh Road next June.
The increase was approved in line with rising energy prices behind closed at a meeting of the council last month.
Councillors were told recently that some of the features to be included in the new crematorium in Newtownabbey will enable heat to be re-used from the crematory and solar panels will produce some electricity.
Members had already agreed a two-tier pricing system in 2020. A resident rate of £475 will remain the same but the non-resident cremation cost will rise from £800.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in March when it will be handed over to the local authority. This will be followed by the installation of equipment, furniture and staff training.
Opening of the crematorium is expected to result in the creation of 12 new jobs.
The council is anticipating an average of six cremations daily. The maximum number per annum will be 1,560. The council hasn’t disclosed the crematorium’s projected annual income and operating cost amid uncertainty around future energy costs.
A live webcast service will be available to families at a cost of £30 further to an annual licensing and service fee incurred by the authority.
In line with current arrangements for cemeteries, proof of residency must be provided to claim the resident fee.
Council minutes indicate that cremations will take place from 10am until 3pm with services at hourly slots designed to allow 15 minutes for mourners to arrive and depart and 45 minutes for the service. The memorial garden and grounds will be open at the same time as the borough’s cemeteries.