Improvements are already clear to see as £600,000 crematorium chapels restoration presses ahead  

The project – which is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council – is tackling the increasing problem of damp in the two 100-year-old chapels caused by water leaking through the eaves and brickwork as well as significantly improving the appearance of the chapels themselves.

Work commenced last September to make the exterior of the building watertight, including repairing the capping stones, repointing the brickwork and replacing the roof and that has now been completed.

Phase two of the restoration involves the two chapels each, in turn, being replastered and repainted, the wooden floors revarnished and the carpeting replaced to provide a more comforting experience for mourners, plus the addition of digital screens for personalised tributes to loved ones.

Work on the Crematorium Chapel is now finished and the chapel is back in use, and restoration of the Cemetery Chapel is now under way.

The whole project – which also includes refurbishment of the cemetery office to provide a better visitor experience – is expected to be completed by October.

Councillor Gary Allen in the restored Crematorium Chapel

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “As well as addressing the major damp problem, the Crematorium Chapel now looks so much better, creating a much more attractive, welcoming and, above all, comforting environment for those attending services.

“The whole project is progressing extremely well and we look forward very much to its completion later this year.

“From the outset we have taken great care to arrange the work to avoid any disturbances during funeral services and we would like to thank people once again for their understanding while it is being carried out.”

Access to the Book of Remembrance continues to be maintained throughout the work, but anyone wishing to view it is asked to please make an appointment in advance by calling the Cemetery Office on 01429 284030.