A planning application has been submitted to build a new crematorium in Hereford and demolish the existing one.
Herefordshire Council has chosen Stourport-based contractors Thomas Vale to build the £3.1 million crematorium
The existing crematorium first opened in 1956 and only has seating for 52 people because it was originally built as a committal chapel and designed for use by close family only.
However, many people now hold the main funeral service at the crematorium and this has meant mourners often having to stand outside and listen to the service being relayed over loudspeakers.
In the new crematorium, however, there will be seats for 120 people and standing room inside for a further 120 people, reflecting the increased numbers of people who now hold main funeral services at the crematorium. The whole of the new crematorium will also be wheelchair accessible unlike the present building.
Michael Hainge, director of the environment, said: “Our present crematorium is far from adequate for the modern age and needs to be replaced.
“We are delighted with the plans submitted by Thomas Vale which offer a state-of-the-art facility which will be one of the most modern in the region and far better suited to the needs of our residents,” he added.
A Thomas Vale spokesman said: “As a local company we have a deep commitment to Herefordshire and Worcestershire and we are proud to be working with Herefordshire Council to provide new facilities such as the crematorium. Not only will we be adding economically to the local area, but we will be employing local people on the project to ensure a total community buy-in.”
No permanent religious symbols will be allowed in the new multi-faith building but instead mourners will be able to choose demountable ones for their services.
The new crematorium will be sited near to the existing one in Westfaling Street and will be accessed from the same entrance. A new road will be built to create a one-way route around the new crematorium to ensure the easy flow of the funeral cortege. Plans also include extra car parking spaces and the existing ones at the present crematorium building will also be retained.
Inside the new crematorium there will be a dedicated room for bearers and a viewing room to cater for some faiths where mourners want to see the coffin enter the cremator.
Two cremators will be installed in the new crematorium. They will have special mercury filtration and will be more efficient, using less energy to operate. Larger openings of 42 inches compared to the present 28 inches at present have been included in the designs to cater for larger coffins.
A new area will be reserved for floral tributes and there will also be a walled garden.
If planning permission is granted, it is hoped building work can be started in October. The present crematorium will remain open throughout the building period which is expected to take 12 months.