£250k facelift for Rotherham Crematorium will allow funerals to be broadcast worldwide

Dignity, which runs the chapel for Rotherham Borough Council, said the improvements would provide more comfortable surroundings for services.

Replacing the existing balcony and organ loft with the mezzanine will increase capacity from 110 to 164.

Facilities for video tributes will be added at the East Herringthorpe building as well as equipment allowing funerals to be broadcast to relatives around the world via the internet.

A Dignity spokesman said: “When cremation became more commonplace in the 1960s and 70s, most crematoria chapels were adequate as the funeral service had taken place at a place of worship, with only the immediate family and their religious leader attending the crematorium for a committal. 

“However, the vast majority of funerals now take place at a crematorium and so there is a real need to increase the size of the chapel without losing the traditional appearance of the building.”

A temporary chapel has been erected in the crematorium grounds to host services during the 17 weeks of refurbishment.

The spokesman said: “The temporary chapel is a professional marquee with a solid floor and walls, a PA system all the other facilities that mourners would expect.

“Local funeral directors have made appointments to give them the opportunity to view the temporary arrangements.

“The alternative option would have been to close the crematorium for three months while the work takes place, leaving bereaved families to arrange a funeral elsewhere in the county.”

The plans, approved by the council last August, also include a new entrance to the waiting room, new heating and cooling system inside the chapel and wall lights to replace a chandelier.