Improvement Works
Contents
Overview
South Tyneside Council is extending the chapel area into the existing internal courtyard.
The enlarged chapel will help to cater for larger funerals by increasing capacity by a total of 126.
This will provide seating for more than 200 visitors as well as additional standing space.
Other improvements will include repositioning the pulpit and rearranging some of the seating to provide better sight lines for those paying their respects to family and friends. A partition between the existing chapel and extension can be used when required for smaller funerals.
Work will also be carried out to modernise the building with new furniture and a full redecoration of the existing chapel, entrance and exit lobby and waiting area.
Timescales
The construction work is expected to take place until mid September 2022.
Until 13 May, work will take place on weekends, Mondays and Tuesdays.
This enables funeral services to continue at the crematorium 3 days a week, with more services being offered.
In addition, the chapel at Harton Cemetery, usually only reserved for services where burials take place, is also being made available for cremation services.
While the improvement work is taking place, the chapel layout will be altered with decorative hoarding separating the chapel and main construction area. As such, the existing pews will be re-arranged with some moved into the internal foyer where services can be viewed on the live TV monitor. This means that standing room at the rear of the chapel and in the lobby will be temporarily reduced.
From 13 May, the crematorium will need to close for up to 12 weeks for the final stages of the work programme. While cremations will still take place, it will not be possible to hold services or memorials in the chapel during this period.
The Bereavement Team will support families in making alternative arrangements for services and memorials to take place at chapels in other parts of South Tyneside.
Visiting the grounds and gardens during the improvement works
The crematorium grounds and memorial gardens will remain open on weekdays and weekends during the improvement works.
Further information
For further information about South Shields Crematorium, opening hours and the facilities available, contact the Council's Bereavement Services on (0191) 427 3190.