Category: Construction
Work has officially begun on the new state-of-the-art public mortuary in Northampton.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place last week, marking the beginning of construction on this important facility, which will provide better support for families and improve post-mortem services across Northamptonshire and the wider region.
Due to be completed in autumn 2025, the new mortuary will be a purpose-built facility designed to deliver the highest standards of care and compassion during some of life’s most difficult moments. It will provide modern, dignified spaces for families, including private viewing and identification areas, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience for those dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The facility will also bring key services under one roof, simplifying processes and reducing the need for travel between different sites. This will not only make it easier for families by reducing delays but will also improve efficiency for funeral directors, healthcare professionals, and other essential services.
Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for HR and Corporate Services at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things anyone can go through, and we want to do everything we can to make that journey a little easier for families.
“Now that work has begun, we’re one step closer to providing a modern, compassionate space where people can say their goodbyes with dignity and care. This facility will not only offer vital support to grieving families but will also help professionals work more efficiently, ensuring faster outcomes and reducing stress during already difficult times.”
The mortuary will also help emergency services if there is ever a major incident, such as a disaster with multiple casualties. It will ensure that Northamptonshire is well-prepared to handle such situations while continuing to provide vital services for the community.
The project is being delivered by Stepnell, a contractor with extensive experience in managing large-scale construction projects.
Adrian Barnes, regional director at Stepnell said:
‘’We are really proud to be working with West Northamptonshire Council on this important facility for the area. Providing a good bereavement service at a time when people are feeling vulnerable is so important. The new facility will provide this and many other modern features like CT post mortem in certain circumstances.
We have experience in this sector and coupled with our more recent experience at Kettering and Northampton Hospitals the team are well equipped to deliver this modern facility”.
