A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place, marking the beginning of construction on Northampton’s new public mortuary, 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 WNC, 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 Ltd.
Adrian Barnes, Director at Stepnell Ltd, said: “We are proud to be delivering this vital facility for Northamptonshire. At Stepnell, we understand the importance of building with care and precision, and we are committed to ensuring that this state-of-the-art mortuary meets the highest standards.
“We look forward to working closely with West Northamptonshire Council and all partners involved to bring this much-needed facility to life.”
