South Shields crematorium receives £800k regeneration project

A project to increase capacity at South Shields Crematorium has hit a milestone now that plans have been approved and a contractor appointed to deliver the work.

Surgo Construction has been awarded the contract to extend the chapel into the existing internal courtyard area. The enlarged chapel will increase its capacity by 126, resulting in overall seating for more than 200 visitors as well as additional standing space for larger funerals.

The development of the 1960s facility on John Reid Road also involves repositioning the pulpit and rearranging the seating to provide “better sight lines”. A partition between the existing chapel and extension can be used when required for smaller funerals.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for area management and community safety, at South Tyneside Council, said: “It’s great to see the scheme moving forward. South Shields Crematorium plays a key role in the community, supporting our residents at what can be an extremely distressing and difficult time in their lives.

“As the only crematorium to serve the entire Borough, it is important the building is fit for purpose and can cater for larger funerals. We are delighted to welcome Surgo on board to deliver the improvements needed. Surgo is a North East company with a strong track record in delivering high quality construction projects across the region.”

Designed by Newcastle-based architectural practice, GSSArchitecture, the £800k project will not only increase capacity but will involve modernising the building with new furniture and a full redecoration of the existing chapel, entrance and exit lobby and waiting area.

Martin Blight, Surgo’s pre-construction director, said: “We are delighted that South Tyneside Council has selected Surgo to undertake this project, following the successful completion of our work at the coroners court earlier this year, and we are pleased to have this further opportunity to draw on our expertise of delivering projects within complex working environments.

“We set out a clear plan in our pre-start methodology about how the extension should be built to cause minimum disruption. By its very nature, the project will require the utmost sensitivity and care so that we are inconspicuous to all those who need to use the crematorium throughout the construction programme.”

Construction work is expected to take up to 38 weeks to complete and is scheduled to minimise disruption to services wherever possible.

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