Funerals could be streamed online

ONLINE live streaming technology at Rotherham Crematorium will allow relatives around the world to watch funeral services.
Rotherham CrematoriumRotherham Crematorium
Rotherham Crematorium

A mezzanine floor to increase capacity and the facility for services to include video tributes are also among planned improvements.

Bereavement services operator Dignity Funerals has been granted the necessary planning permission by Rotherham Borough Council for its £250,000 project.

A Dignity spokesman said the main reason for the refurb was increased attendance at the crematorium for services.

He added: “This is a hugely complex project and has required a thorough investigation of all options by our surveyors and property experts.

“We are very pleased to receive planning permission. We will now be able to increase chapel capacity so that a greater number of mourners can attend funerals in the comfortable surroundings they expect.

“When cremation became more commonplace in the 1960s and 70s, most crematoria chapels were adequate as the funeral service was held 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 so there is a real need to increase the size of the chapel to accommodate the size of modern day congregations, without losing the traditional appearance of the building.”

The spokesman added: “The improvements to the chapel will also include a new video tribute facility and the technology required for online live streaming of funerals to family members around the world.”

In March, the Advertiser revealed plans for the mezzanine floor, which will be accessed by a staircase at the back of the chapel and add 54 seats to the current capacity of 110.

All doors and windows will be replaced and a new heating and cooling system installed in the chapel, overflow, book room and toilets.

The Advertiser told last week how the council had admitted mistakes were made in signing a 35-year contract with Dignity in 2008.

Members have held talks with the firm because they are unhappy at the fees being charged for services at the crematorium in East Herringthorpe.

Dignity noted how RMBC was unable to afford changes required by new laws when the contract was agreed.

The firm’s spokesman said £3.5 million improvements to date included cremation equipment and extra parking spaces.

He added: “Last year, we developed a new burial ground for the Muslim community and have increased musical options at the crematorium by installing an audio system that is widely used at other crematoria. We are committed to continual investment.”

Related topics: