Modern building to replace half-century old crematorium

The 2.6m project has been commissioned by Kirklees Council's bereavement services and will replace the existing 1960s Dewsbury Moor Crematorium with a modern building.

The new crematorium will be built within the grounds of the current site and will eventually replace the older building. Until then, the current facilities will be used.

The new facilities will include a car park and a landscaped area.

It is being built to replace the outdated building, with the current facilities at Dewsbury Crematorium expensive to maintain.

Councillors in Kirklees have now approved the plans and as a result work is due to get underway in August. It is scheduled to be completed in July 2011.

The modern building, takes its cues from natural contours and has been designed by Aedas Architects.

Designers say that the design will be built into the landscape and trees will be planted to ensure privacy for the crematorium and those living nearby.

Nigel Howden, of Aedas Project Associate, said: "It has been great to work with a client with the confidence and vision to commission a contemporary approach to this very challenging building typology."

Visitor parking is cut into the landscape behind the building and a sloping walkway will link a new car park to the crematorium.

The plans also include a memorial garden which mourners will walk through as they leave the building in Huddersfield Road.

Other projects carried out by Aedas Architects include Bridgewater Place, in Leeds city centre, one of the UK's tallest buildings.