Crematorium transformed by major overhaul
Published Tuesday 28th September 10 in Council - news and information releases news
A major two-year refurbishment programme has fittingly improved every single aspect of Southend Crematorium.
This means it now meets stringent new Government Legislation - it is more energy efficient and can offer mourners a wider range of services.
The Crematorium, in Sutton Road, Southend, has remained fully operational throughout these £2.1 million improvement works.
These included refurbishments to all the chapels, toilets, garden areas and ponds, and new lighting, giving it a sustainably fresh new look.
A Wesley Music System is now available at the Crematorium which makes it much easier to source any selected music chosen by grieving family members and friends to be played at funeral services.
The system also offers a service of professional audio and DVD recordings along with a Webcam facility which enables families and friends living away who may not be able to attend the funeral to watch the service live.
Meanwhile, backstage a new cremator together with filtration equipment has been installed to comply with new laws on mercury abatement. The new cremators is also designed to accommodate larger coffins.
Essential upgrades have also been made, such as a new electricity supply with a new electricity substation.
Additional improvements were also carried out across the road at Southend Cemetery, including new fencing, and custom-made new gates.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Corporate Support Services, Councillor Andrew Moring, said: "These tremendously detailed works have upgraded all areas of the Crematorium.
"New laws required us to put new equipment in place, and while undertaking those necessary changes we took the opportunity to make many other much-needed improvements.
"It is a very difficult time for people when they accompany a relative or friend on their final journey, so we have done our best to make sure that the surroundings and ambience of the Crematorium are as welcoming as possible.
"Now we even have webcam facilities, so those unable to attend a loved-one's funeral can still share in the proceedings from anywhere in the world.
"It is also very commendable that this huge amount of refurbishment work has been undertaken while causing minimum disruption to the day-to-day Crematorium operations."