New crematorium to open in Lichfield

A new multi-million pound crematorium will open to families from Lichfield and surrounding communities later this month.

The Co-operative has invested £3.8 million in the facility in the district of Fradley. To mark the completion of the building works, Mercia Crematoria Developments has handed the keys to the Co-operative. Further development work will continue on the remembrance gardens ahead of the official launch, scheduled for the end of March.

“The strategy to grow our Crematoria and Cemeteries Division remains unchanged. However, with limited opportunities for private acquisitions, the business remains focused on new builds to meet public need and to serve the interests of local communities,” said the Co-operative’s Alison Close.

“There was a clear shortage of crematoria in this area, which meant families were having to travel further or wait longer than desired for the funeral to take hence the investment in more local facilities for the Lichfield population.

“In addition, at the new site we will offer one hour service times as opposed to the usual 30 minutes, which will enable families to spend more time celebrating the life of their loved one.”

Besides reducing funeral waiting times, the new crematorium will feature a service chapel capable of accommodating more than 80 people, a music system to enable bespoke music requests and a book of remembrance.