Work on the latest stage of implementation of Bradford Council’s four-year Bereavement Strategy is due to begin this week at Scholemoor Cemetery.
The £24 million strategy includes the refurbishment of Oakworth Crematorium, the construction of two new crematoria plus the extension to the Muslim burial ground at Scholemoor. All projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Work is due to start at Oakworth soon and land for the two new crematoria has been identified in Bierley and Heaton to replace the ageing crematoria at Nab Wood and Scholemoor.
This week contractors are due to start work at Scholemoor Cemetery to prepare the groundwork for the extension to the Muslim burial ground. This is not grave-digging, it is work to prepare the ground for future use whenever it is needed.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “The work at Scholemoor Cemetery has been planned for a long time. The Council did initial tests on the land last year to make sure that it was suitable. It is not connected to the present medical emergency.
“We need to get on and complete the implementation of the Bereavement Strategy so we are prepared for the future.
“When people die it is very important to us that we accord them the dignity of their beliefs and that we have plenty of space for those people who desire burial and modern, quality crematoria for those who prefer cremation.
“We are making this investment so that we have the right facilities for all our communities for years to come.”
