Express & Star

Stourbridge Crematorium work to cost an additional £1 million

The cost of works to expand and improve Stourbridge Crematorium will cost £1 million more than originally expected.

Published
The chapel at Stourbridge Crematorium

Dudley Council chiefs signed off on the restoration project for the South Road site in February 2018 with an estimated cost of £1 million – but that has now risen to £2m.

Works are to include extending the chapel, improving welfare facilities and installing two new cremators.

However surveyors found an extra extension to the building will be needed – with the roof also having to be replaced.

A new report for the council says: “During site investigation inspections it became clear that to accommodate the new longer and larger cremators, an extension to the building will be required.

“Additional roof supports, insertion of steel members and work to the flue and chimney are all needed.”

Further structural work to increase the capacity of the chapel, allowing an additional 30 people to be seated, is also needed.

The report, which calls for the funds to be approved by councillors, added: “Approval is required at this point so an order can be placed with the contractor and works can proceed in the spring/early summer so that the service is disrupted as little as possible.” Work on the burial grounds had originally been due to get under way next month.

Dudley Council’s cabinet is expected to sign off on the proposals on Monday.