Construction of new crematorium reaches milestone

The steel frame for a new "environment-friendly" crematorium in Bradford has been completed, as work continues to upgrade the city's burial facilities.

The new crematorium off Shetcliffe Lane in Bierley - to replace the existing facility at Scholemoor - is set to have two service halls, car parking, state-of-the-art cremators, office space and a waiting room, Bradford Council said.

The authority said its existing facilities were past their recommended life span and did not meet modern environmental standards.

Coun Sarah Ferriby said: "This work is another step in our strategy to create a modern, sustainable and environment-friendly bereavement service for the people of the district."

Ferriby, the council's executive member for healthy people and places, added: "We want to provide practical, sympathetic, convenient and pleasant surroundings for people when they pay their last respects to their loved ones."

It is the last step in Bradford Council's bereavement services overhaul, first announced in 2016, after the refurbishment of Oakworth Crematorium and the new crematorium at Shay Grange, which opened in October 2023.

The Muslim burial ground at Scholemoor Cemetery has also been extended, while an extension to the burial provision at Bowling Cemetery has been completed.

Once the new facility has opened, Scholemoor Crematorium will close but the cemetery will remain open, the council said.

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