Poole Crematorium refurb work will see funeral service pause

The major works at Gravel Hill site were due to take place last year but they had to be pushed back.

Exact dates for when the refurbishment will take place could not be confirmed by BCP Council.

It was hoped it could commence in March and last for several weeks, with Bournemouth Crematorium being the lone local-authority managed crematorium open for ceremonies during this time.

This work, which includes an upgrade to the chapel, is the first of two phases of investment in the council's two crematoriums.

• Read more: Poole Crematorium chapel set for revamp in £559,000 boost

The council spokesperson said: “The start of the refurbishment work as approved under phase one was delayed in 2021 due to COVID demands and supplier/contractor shortages.

"We anticipate work commencing in March 2022.

"As a result, this will mean the ceremonial space, public and office areas will be closed for several weeks.

"During this closure, bookings for cremation services will continue to be facilitated as normal through Bournemouth Crematorium while ceremonial services will be offered in our chapels across the conurbation.

"There will be no change to the current enquiry and booking process."

• Read more: Wife's anger over state of Poole Crematorium

The council said once the programme of phase one works had been confirmed, all stakeholders of the Poole Crematorium service would receive formal communication with the start date of the works.

BCP Council is investing in improvements at Poole Crematorium

It was hoped this could be provided within "the coming weeks".

The site has operated just for ceremonies since early 2020 with bodies conveyed to Bournemouth Crematorium for the cremation. This was due to concerns about the “worsening” condition of cremation equipment.

The spokesperson said phase two focused on further enhancements at the crematorium, including its memorial grounds.

• Read more: New Forest Crematorium due for completion in March 2022

"In view of the delays encountered on phase one, this has been put back to later on this year," they added.

BCP Council cabinet members signed off on an initial £559,000 to fund phase one in December 2020, which also included some smaller investments at Bournemouth Crematorium in Strouden Avenue.

Councillors agreed that an investment plan for the long-term usage of Poole Crematorium, which could include replacing the cremator, should be presented to cabinet once the impact of phase one had been evaluated. It is hoped these decisions will be made before the end of calendar year.