Seating capacity increased at crem following £1.1m investment

A £1.1 million refurbishment which has increased the seating capacity for mourners at Gornal Wood Crematorium has been completed.

The capacity at the chapel has been increased from 90 to 120 along with a host of other improvement works.

The crematorium reopened at the start of the month and has since hosted more than 70 funerals. It was closed from the middle of July to allow the works by building contractors SWG Construction to take place.

Other work to the chapel included the installation of air conditioning and improved heating; new carpets, lectern, furniture and seating; an upgraded music media system; renovation to the toilets and the installation of another fire door.

The toilets now have level access and are wheelchair friendly, and a disabled access ramp has been added to the external access area for the waiting room.

Outside, a new and larger canopy has been put up at the front of the chapel to protect mourners from the elements. The wreath terrace – where floral tributes are placed after a funeral service – has been resurfaced, as has the footpath and area outside the front of the chapel. And there has been work to the driveway as well as the installation of an EV charger and lighting on the main car park. A full electrical rewire has been carried out and drainage systems replaced.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “The chapel at the crematorium was in urgent need of renovation, having remained largely unaltered since it was built back in the 1960s.

“The work means we can now accommodate more mourners at funerals, as well as making it more comfortable for visitors and improving disabled access.

“We have also installed a new screen outside for those occasions where the chapel cannot accommodate everyone who wants to attend, and a new roof over the entrance will shield them from the elements.

“The contractors have done a fantastic job.”

Shaun Humphries, director of SWG Construction, said: “We feel privileged to have been entrusted with the renovation of Gornal Wood Crematorium and have worked with care and respect throughout every stage of the project.

“The refurbishment has delivered a more functional, accessible, and welcoming space for all who visit this much-loved memorial facility.”