Speller Metcalfe to deliver ‘major’ refurb of Astwood Crem
The crematorium, located on Astwood Road, is expected to reopen in summer 2026
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Worcester City Council has announced the appointment of Malvern-based construction firm Speller Metcalfe to deliver a “major” refurbishment of Astwood Crematorium.
The £1.49m project will see the installation of two new electric cremators to replace the existing three gas-powered models, as well as chapel renovations, landscaped grounds and new solar panels on the building’s roof.
Funeral services are being temporarily held at the KGV Hub, where up to four services take place each weekday. The crematorium, located on Astwood Road, is expected to reopen in summer 2026.
Work began last month, with the existing cremators removed and National Grid upgrading the site’s power supply to support the transition to electric. Cemetery grounds remain open for burials and ash scatterings throughout the refurbishment.
Cllr Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “Our city’s crematorium is a much-valued service, cherished by residents in Worcester and the wider community. This project is designed to make it an even more special place for honouring the lives and memories of loved ones.
“A key part of the refurbishment will be the installation of new electric cremators, alongside solar panels on the new roof to provide sustainable energy throughout the building. In addition, work will be carried out to enhance biodiversity within the surrounding cemetery grounds.”
She added: “Together, these improvements mean that when the crematorium reopens next year, Worcester will be home to the most environmentally friendly crematorium in the West Midlands.”
The refurbishment includes a new Japanese-themed chapel garden, improvements to natural light in the chapel, a heat recovery system and electric vehicle charging points.
Matthew Bailey, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “This project will balance the sensitive nature of the site with the need to modernise facilities, creating a more sustainable welcoming environment that will support the local community for generations to come.”
The scheme is backed by a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered by Salix.
The crematorium’s Book of Remembrance has been relocated to the Guildhall’s Green Room, where it is open to visitors during normal hours from Monday to Saturday.
