Work to create a new Crematorium in the South of Bradford has reached a major milestone.
The new crematorium off Shetcliffe Lane in Bierley will replace Scholemoor Crematorium when it opens.
It is the last step in Bradford Council’s Bereavement Services overhaul that was first announced in 2016, and has already seen a new Crematorium in Heaton built to create Nab Wood Crematorium and the refurbishment of Oakworth Crematorium.
The Muslim burial ground at Scholemoor Cemetery has also been extended and an extension to the burial provision at Bowling Cemetery has been completed.
A special steel signing ceremony has now been held to mark the completion of the steel frame for the building that will become Bierley Crematorium.
The new crematorium will have two service halls, a small hall for intimate services (approx. 25-30 people) and a large hall (for services up to 250-300), car parking, state of the art cremators, office space and a waiting room.
Robertson Construction is the main contractor for the work.
Once open Scholemoor Crematorium will close but the cemetery will remain open.
The shake up of crematoria was necessary due to the Council’s existing crematoria deemed to be operating past their use by date.
As well as not meeting newer, tougher emission targets, the ovens were too small to accommodate larger coffins often required due to rising obesity levels.
Bulky new cremation ovens that are required to meet emission standards were too big for the existing buildings.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This is an important milestone, and I’m really pleased to see the new crematorium taking shape. This work is another step in our strategy to create a modern, sustainable and environment-friendly bereavement service for the people of the district.
“It is a significant investment in future bereavement services operated by the local authority.
“We need to carry out these works due to the age of the existing facilities which are working well beyond their recommended life span, and which do not conform to modern environmental standards.
“We want to provide practical, sympathetic, convenient and pleasant surroundings for people when they pay their last respects to their loved ones.”
Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: “Having worked with Bradford Council on Shay Grange Crematorium, we understand the importance of delivering a modern, high-quality facility that offers an inclusive and dignified environment for such important and personal services.”
