A new crematorium

A site for a new £7.5m crematorium in Sunderland has still to be confirmed.  

The present Bishopwearmouth Crematorium off Chester Road dates back to the late 1930s but construction work was delayed by the Second World War and it was not completed until 1951.

Bishopwearmouth's facilities have become outdated and Sunderland City Council has begun looking at where a new crematorium could be built.

Aware of strong community feedback on initial groundwork studies at a site in Gilley Law, the council has stressed that no final decisions have been taken.

The site at Gilley Law is ruled out until further notice and work on identifying possible sites continues.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said:

"Our city needs a new purpose-built crematorium.

"Anyone who has attended a service at Bishopwearmouth Crematorium will be aware of the difficulties posed by the existing provision - the parking, the proximity of entry and exit points, and the single chapel.

"As part of last year's capital budget and this council's ongoing commitment to investing in our city, we agreed an allocation of £7.5m towards a new crematorium.

"Studies are underway on identifying possible sites and I must stress that no preferred location has been confirmed.

"As and when sites are looked at there have to be technical studies, such as on ground conditions, and many other factors must be taken into consideration before they could become a preferred location.

"These studies on identifying a preferred site are continuing and there are no current plans for siting the new crematorium at Gilley Law.

"Once we have identified a preferred location, we will as a listening and talking council look to consult with the community."