CREWE Crematorium is set to receive a £1.5m cash boost to improve facilities for the bereaved and their families.

Crewe Crematorium, located in Crewe Cemetery, will get a single-storey extension to the front of the existing building that will consist of an arrival area, a book of remembrance alcove and a new waiting area.

The revamp will also include extending the building, boosting seating capacity, improving toilet facilities and increasing parking.

Clr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is excellent news for users of this facility and shows our commitment to deliver improved, quality services for residents.

“When we created our arms-length companies, we did this so we could develop ways of investing in our facilities.

“So, we are building new leisure centres and we are improving our existing facilities – something that has needed to happen for a long, long time.”

Additionally, external walls of remembrance will be built to both the front and side of the existing building to replace the ‘carriage porch’.

Inside, 32 seats will be added and male, female and disabled toilets will be introduced. Additional parking spaces will also be added, including additional disabled parking.

Clr David Marren, chairman of Orbitas, the cemeteries and bereavement services arm of Cheshire East , said: “This scheme will enable us to provide an even better quality of service for people at what is very often a difficult and emotional time.

“The extension of the crematorium will allow up to 32 more mourners to attend a service for a departed loved one.

“Not only will extra seats be added but also a cover will be included to shelter mourners before a service, where at the present time mourners have to stand in bad weather. 

“The new corridor system will also prevent the bereaved from the previous service from walking directly past the mourners who are attending the next service – giving mourning families and friends a greater sense of privacy and dignity, while reducing the distress felt by both parties.”

The work is due to start in May 2015 and set to be completed by early autumn.