Work to build a new state of the art flower court at Coychurch Crematorium is now complete and funerals are once again being held at the main Crallo Chapel following the conclusion of the works.
The £1.2 million project, which was approved by the Coychurch Crematorium Joint Committee, will help congregations to exit the chapel more easily and will prevent delays to following services. The works have been carried out by local Bridgend based company South Wales Contractors Ltd.
The flower court now also has a fully covered roof and access to the toilet facilities has been improved.
The extension is the first structural addition to the public areas of the main building since it opened in 1970 and the design has been tailored to the unique character, history and listed building status of the Crematorium.
Maxwell Fry, a British architect of international reputation, was the original designer of the Grade II* listed Crematorium and the latest works have been overseen by Welsh architect Jonathan Adams (Percy Thomas Architects, Capita Real Estate and Infrastructure). His previous notable projects include the prestigious Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay and the Sherman Theatre refurbishment in Cardiff.
The crematorium remained operational throughout the works with funerals still being held at the smaller Coity Chapel.
Cllr Barry Stephens JP, Chair of Coychurch Crematorium Joint Committee said: “The new flower court provides a fitting way of marking the crematorium’s 50th anniversary which occurred during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
“The works will also enhance and protect the crematorium for both current and future generations while improving access for anyone attending a funeral. More cremations are now taking place compared to when the building first opened and it’s important that we adapt to keep up with the times.”
I’d like to congratulate all involved in the project for delivering a fantastic flower court which will improve the experience for anyone attending a funeral.
The design has been carefully considered and is very much in line with the history of the building and it’s great to see that the extension has been constructed by a local company.
This is yet more good news for the Crematorium after it recently received a Keep Wales Tidy Green Flag award for the 14th consecutive year. This is testament to the amazing work of all staff who deliver for local people year after year.
Cllr John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment
