AN EARLY look at proposals for the refurbishment of Astwood Crematorium in Worcester is being offered to residents.
Draft plans will be on display in the Crematorium Chapel in Tintern Avenue on Wednesday October 23 from 5pm to 7pm.
The local community is encouraged to come along and give their views on the proposals for the refurbishment scheme.
At the heart of the refurbishment is the replacement of the site’s three gas-powered cremators, installed in 1997, with two new electrical cremators. The new cremators will comply with current environmental standards, significantly reduce the site’s carbon emissions and improve resilience at the crematorium.
Other ambitions of the project are a reconfigured chapel with a flexible space to accommodate larger congregations, improvements to manage the flow of people and vehicles, a new and extended covered area for hearses and cars, a new reception, vestry and family room.
Worcester City Council’s resources spokesperson Coun Lynn Denham said: “This is a much-loved site in our city and it is important that local people are engaged with the important work that is set to take place at the crematorium.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested to come along to the drop-in event on Wednesday October 23, take a look at the draft proposals, talk to the design experts who will be there, and share their views on this major investment in our city.
“We know that making changes to the crematorium will be a sensitive matter for many local people, so we want your input to make sure we get this right.”
Anyone who cannot attend the drop-in session will be able to view the draft proposals and give their views at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit until October 31.
Following the consultation, more detailed plans will be developed and taken to city councillors for approval in November. A planning application will then be submitted, which will be subject to a period of formal consultation.
If planning permission is granted, it is expected that construction work would begin in summer 2025 and last for around nine months.
During that period alternative arrangements for cremations and services would be put in place and the grounds of the cemetery in Astwood Road would remain open.
