An amended application for the development of Malta's first crematorium has been submitted to the Planning Authority.

The application, re-drawn in accordance with PA guidelines established last September, sees a building of 500sqm surrounded by 6,000sqm of landscaped memorial gardens, conveying a feeling of peace and tranquility, the developers said in a statement.

The site of the project located by the rear entrance of the Addolorata cemetery and across the street of the new cemetery extension, falls within the accepted area of development set out by the new guidelines and is regarded as the ideal location for development of this project since the area is already committed to cemeterial use.

This is the third application submitted by Active Group in its unwaivered commitment to setting up Malta's first crematorium on this site. The company submitted its first application over 8 years ago and a revised application was again submitted in 2021 after the law was drawn up in 2019. These past applications were declined in view of a lack of development guidelines which have now been made public in September.

Active Group holds interests in crematoriums and funeral companies overseas, including Camilleri Funeral Directors in Malta, exclusive booking agent for Misterbianco Cremazioni (Catania) and hence very knowledgeable in the field. The company's background provides for unparalleled expertise in the design, management and operation of the intended project.

Active's Managing Director, Johann Camilleri is adamant that the land in question is positioned in the best possible location to serve the needs of the Maltese islands in the most efficient manner and with the lowest possible impact on the environment in terms of traffic and air pollution. "We are committed to invest in the creation of a state of the art, inclusive and comprehensive facility, catering to all the needs of our islands. We will provide a choice of services, so families can give a dignified farewell to their loved one in their preferred way, with careful consideration and respect to the environment."

Detailed studies and assessments of the project have been carried out together with the company's experienced foreign consultants, to ensure the project will be able to cater for the demand of the whole country, whilst giving a wide choice of options for people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. The company is planning to invest in the most advanced cremation and filtration systems, with the lowest possible emissions in conformance with the most stringent European standards and regulations.

The crematorium building is designed to blend into the natural surroundings and has been split with a recessed level to keep a streamlined design intended to minimize visual impact from all angles, the developers said.

The project includes various facilities to welcome and accommodate grieving families and friends, as they plan out arrangements for their dearly departed, attend the funeral ceremony or celebration of life.  Options will be available to cater for the spiritual needs of Catholic, Hindu and all religions as well as humanists, atheists and non believers.

"We invite all authorities and councils concerned to reach out to us, share their views, discuss any concerns and help us materialize a project intended to give choice to grieving families and the long term benefit of our country."

The company is hoping the application will be processed in the coming weeks and if accepted, it intends to start development as soon as possible with a view for the facility to be up and running within a couple of years.