Demolition of Oakworth Crematorium, and the construction of its more modern replacement, to start in March

Over £2.75 million will be spent on upgrading Oakworth Crematorium, a scheme that will include installing a new, more environmentally friendly cremator, a new “winter garden” area and improved layout.

A planning application for the works were approved by Bradford Council last week.

The Council says the designs are expected to be completed later this year and construction will go out for tender before Christmas.

Work is expected to begin in March and should take a year to complete.

The Council’s Bereavement Strategy includes the refurbishment of Oakworth Crematorium, and the building of two new crematoria.

Scholemoor and Nab Wood Crematoria are due to close, and be replaced with new facilities on different sites.

The Council says the changes were needed due to new rules on emissions - which require larger, more up to date cremation equipment.

The original plan was to merely upgrade the crematorium building at Oakworth. But in June it was announced that the new cremator equipment would not fit in the existing building, and officers needed to go back to the drawing board.

The revised scheme, which included the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new building, will add £750,000 to the original project costs.

A report by planning officers says: “The key difference between the proposed new building and existing organisation is the provision of a separate entrance and exit, relieving congestion through the waiting room and associated noise and manageability issues. Guests also now face the catafalque when seated in the chapel, with seating rotated along the new axial route between waiting room - chapel - crematory - book of remembrance.

“It is considered that the design of the new extensions will be in keeping with the character and appearance of the site subject to the use of appropriate materials.

“It is not considered that it would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of either the streetscene or wider locality.”

After the planning approval was granted a Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “Improvements to Oakworth Crematorium include updating the service hall to accommodate a wide range of religious and secular services, adding a small book of remembrance room and creating a pleasant winter garden area where mourners can congregate afterwards.

“State-of-the art audio visual and webcasting technology will be installed allowing mourners to participate from across the world.

“The driveway and car park will be improved and a new floral tribute area created.

“The crematory will house a new large environmentally friendly cremator and the facility will be future-proofed allowing for the installation of a second cremator should the facility need expansion.”