An example of a purpose-built funeral parlour in Hong Kong Shatin Memorial Hall, New Territories. Often sited within mixed residential and industrial areas, they are what the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) here is looking to copy in the possible funeral parlour in Sin Ming. -- PHOTO: URA
FUNERAL parlours in Hong Kong and Japan look just like modern office buildings, complete with lift lobbies.
But inside, they are kitted out with dining areas and large halls for wakes.
Often sited within mixed residential and industrial areas, they are what the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) here is looking to copy in the possible funeral parlour in Sin Ming, slated for the empty plot next to the Bright Hill Temple.
On Friday, the URA released details for the parlour, assuring the residents of Sin Ming that it will be a quiet, discreet and dignified place that will not advertise the business of death so near to their homes.
The URA stressed that no decision had been made on where the parlour will be as a study is still ongoing. It said it wanted residents' feedback.
Asked about alternative sites for the parlour - such as Mandai, already home to a crematorium and columbarium - the URA returned to its point that site details had not been finalised.
Its spokesman said: 'We are looking at details on the siting of such parlours, the timing for implementation, the mitigating measures that would be needed in place to minimise disturbance to the surroundings.'
When The Straits Times asked via e-mail why Sin Ming was being considered despite the area's lack of an MRT station, the URA replied that it was accessible by public and private transport.
It also said a future industrial development would shield the parlour from nearby homes and access to it would route traffic away from residential areas. Rules would be set up on the design and operation of the parlour.
The URA spokesman said that Yishun, another proposed site, had been tendered out, but there were no takers. The feedback it received suggested that it was not centrally located.
The proposed Sin Ming site is near a school, HDB blocks, private condominiums and terrace houses.
Residents told Transport Minister Raymond Lim last Sunday that they did not like the parlour being near their homes because of the taboos surrounding death.
Other residents The Straits Times interviewed on Wednesday expressed concern about the noise from funeral processions, the chanting, incense fumes and traffic jams. These things would depress their property value, others said.-By Alina Ashad
