Member Article

Tynemouth Crematorium reopens following £2.7 million investment

Following an investment of £2.7 million by North Tyneside Council, Tynemouth Crematorium re-opened today (February 16).

The chapel has been extended and refurbished with extra seating, an enclosed entrance lobby and a new waiting area, as well as multi-media equipment for photographs, films and music installed.

New and old stonework has been matched and an arched window, partially removed during a refurbishment many years ago, has been reinstated, so the extension is in keeping with the rest of the chapel.

And the Book of Remembrance has been moved to a new area behind the cemetery office, meaning that people can now view it without having to go into the chapel and worrying whether a service is taking place.

Toilet facilities have been improved, too, and a more accessible toilet installed.

Welcoming the improvements, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: “It is extremely difficult when a loved one dies and the council does all it can to make sure that those who are bereaved receive the very best care and support.

“I am pleased that even in difficult financial times, we have been able to invest in the crematorium and carry out the improvements that local people themselves have asked for.”

As well as the extension, new multi-media equipment has been installed so families can now show photographs and videos of their loved ones during the service, should they wish to do so.

The work has also included replacing the cremators and fitting new mercury abatement equipment, which will help the council meet national targets to reduce the amount of mercury emitted into the atmosphere.

Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member for Housing and the Environment, added: “Within the last year, we have undertaken work at Whitley Bay and Tynemouth crematoria, ensuring both offer quality services and facilities to families across the borough when they need it most.

“And while our bereavement service has retained a gold award status for the last four years, we’re always looking at ways to improve it further, and this investment has helped us to do so.

“We have also ensured the project at Tynemouth Crematorium was delivered within budget at no extra cost to the tax payer.”

Following independent assessments by the Institute of Crematorium and Cemetery Management (ICCM), North Tyneside Council has been awarded a gold standard for its bereavement service for the past four successive years.

The investment work at Tynemouth Crematorium was carried out on behalf of the council by Kier North Tyneside.

Kier regional director, Mike Furze, said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed this programme of works, upgrading an essential public service for the residents of the borough. This major refurbishment of the building and facilities will offer an enhanced environment, which will help support bereaved families at a very difficult time.”