Oakworth crematorium work to start

Thursday, 9 July 2020 16:07

Work on a £2.75 million project to refurbish Oakworth Crematorium and chapel is due to start next month.

The project is part of Bradford Council’s overall £24 million Bereavement Strategy which also involves building two new crematoria and extending the Muslim burial ground at Scholemoor Cemetery.

The work at Oakworth crematorium will involve modernizing the chapel and providing a new energy efficient cremator with the latest emission reducing technology.

The contract for construction has been awarded to Bradford-based Bermar Building Co Ltd, of Allerton.

The project has been designed by a team led by Rex Procter and Partners, along with support from Stride Treglown Architects, Furness Partnership and Novo Integration Engineers.

Work is expected to start on 3 August and the crematorium will close on Friday, 17 July, for the existing machinery to be decommissioned.

The project is expected to take around a year. Oakworth staff will be relocated to other crematoria in the district and it is hoped that the Book of Remembrance will be housed in Keighley Library while the work is being carried out.

Cremation services will continue to be held at Nab Wood and Scholemoor during the closure of Oakworth, while plans to replace those crematoria with brand new ones at Heaton and Bierley are on-going.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “It’s great news that this contract has been awarded to a Bradford-based company which is a specialist in completing public contracts.

“It is a core Council strategy to invest in local companies where we can. This is a major project for the district which will provide residents with modern, efficient and environmentally-friendly bereavement services, as well as investing in local jobs and boosting the economy in these difficult times.

“While our Bereavement Strategy has been the subject of planning and discussion for a long time it will be great to see the actual on site work taking place, along with the already underway expansion work at Scholemoor Cemetery.

“I am sure the residents of Oakworth and the rest of the district will have a facility to be proud of for many years to come as a result of this investment.”

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm