PLANS for a major revamp of a “tired” and “out of date” cemetery are set to go before councillors next week.
Worcester City Council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the £200,000 scheme at Astwood Crematorium and Cemetery which will bring a redesign of the chapel, an improved customer reception and waiting area and a range of improvements to the main building and site entrance.
Council bosses have argued the site needs to be refurbished to make sure it continues to be the first choice for people when they need bereavement services.
If the green light is given, the work is expected to be completed during summer 2015, and steps will be taken to keep any disruption to the service to a minimum.
Coun Andy Roberts, cabinet member for a cleaner and greener city, said:
“There has been no significant upgrading or refurbishment work at Astwood for over ten years, so many of the public areas – including the chapel and reception areas – are looking tired and out of date.
“We know our residents expect bereavement services to be conducted in an aesthetically appropriate, respectful, clean and comfortable environment and this refurbishment will ensure that that is exactly what Astwood offers.”
Work in the chapel and public areas will include new floor covering, seating and lighting, revamping of the entrance canopy, internal decoration and refurbishment of the woodwork, and new outside paving and walkways.
As well as refurbishment of the reception and waiting areas for the public, the council also wants to improve its customer service and new offices will be created to ensure the council’s Bereavement Services staff are all located together so they can work more efficiently.
The council has been working with the Cemeteries and Crematorium Forum to prepare the refurbishment proposals. If the Cabinet backs the plans on Tuesday (October 28), there will be further consultation on the detailed design of the improvements.
