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Preston City Council has allocated £5m to upgrade the city’s cemetery and crematorium, a project including new burial space and modernised cremation facilities by 2032.
The investment addresses a capacity shortage, as the current cemetery is reaching its final phase for the sale of new graves.
The approved scheme includes the construction of a new cemetery to provide additional burial space for the growing population.
Furthermore, the existing crematorium will undergo a full replacement of its cremators to ensure compliance with future environmental and regulatory standards.
Other planned works include the construction of a new office building, the refurbishment of the chapel to increase seating capacity, and the restoration of pathways to improve site accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
The phased development is designed to maintain service continuity while infrastructure is updated.
The new office building is intended to provide increased privacy for administrative consultations and improved working conditions for staff.
The crematorium’s existing equipment is scheduled for replacement with more efficient models to improve operational reliability.
By securing this funding, the council aims to manage the long-term logistical requirements of the city’s bereavement services, which have seen a steady increase in demand over the last decade.
Preston City Council noted that the upgrades are essential for meeting current and future regional demand.
The project also focuses on the physical environment of the grounds, with the pathway restoration intended to improve safety across the cemetery’s expanded footprint.
Amber Afzal, cabinet member for planning and regulation at Preston City Council councillor, said: “This investment represents a commitment to ensuring Preston residents receive bereavement services. As the city grows, it is essential our facilities grow with it. These upgrades will create a welcoming environment for families and ensure a sustainable crematorium service into the future. These improvements are for meeting current demand and are about planning for Preston’s future.”
