£3.45 million modernisation of St Helens Crematorium completed

Article date: 21 March 2022

The old facilities, while cherished by the community, required modernisation to meet the needs of residents, and to allow the council to expand the range of services that can be offered to bereaved families by its national award-winning Bereavement Service. 

The ambitious, £3.449 million project has seen a full refurbishment of the Crematorium building, in a cohesive, modern and respectful style. 

Among the improvements are the addition of a small chapel, now fully renovated and reinstated to allow smaller, more intimate services to take place. 

The layout of the main chapel has changed, with the catafalque - the platform on which the coffin rests during the service - moved more appropriately to the front and centre of the ceremony room. 

Waiting rooms, toilets, offices and facilities have also been replaced to a modern standard. 

Construction work by Seddon took place outside operational hours to ensure that services could continue to be provided to the public during the day. 

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: 

"St Helens Cemetery and Crematorium are among our greatest assets, from the building's striking structure and heritage, with its many original features including the beautiful 'dalle de verre' stained glass, to its green and picturesque, well-maintained grounds, and the recent national recognition is external validation of the valued service we provide in the borough. 

"This major investment represents our faith in the future of the Crematorium, and our aspiration to enhance the caring service provided to the bereaved and their families in the most difficult times, and I'm delighted to see it completed." 

John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon, said: 

"We're really happy to be continuing to build our relationship with St Helens Borough Council and were delighted to help them to transform one of their most valued assets. The work we have delivered at the cemetery and crematorium will enable the Bereavement Services team to expand their service offering and create a more modern space for future generations of the St Helens Borough community."