The first phase of expansion and refurbishment work at Lincoln Crematorium is now complete.

Lindum has finished construction of a second chapel which will initially be used to carry out services during work on the existing crematorium building.

It will then remain in use once the entire project is finished, allowing more services to take place in the city.

City of Lincoln Council appointed Lindum to carry out the work using the Pagabo refurb framework.

Work began in April and will also include upgrades to the back of house areas of the main Crematorium building, including the crematory and committal areas, and the inclusion of two new cremators. There will also be new car parking.

Maria Clayton, Capital Projects Manager for Major Developments at City of Lincoln Council said: “We are pleased to announce the first phase of works at Lincoln Crematorium are now complete, with the second chapel now open for funeral services.”

Lindum will now commence building works inside the main chapel to enable the installation of the new cremators and associated plant to be installed.

Construction of a new 85 space car park on the existing overspill car park are also progressing well and are due to be complete by Autumn 2021.

David Chambers, Lindum Group chairman said: “Handover of this new second chapel will pave the way for us to start work on the upgrade of the existing facilities, which involves making modifications to accommodate two new cremators as well as improvements to public and staff areas.

“To ensure we didn’t disturb the funeral services taking place over the last few months, we altered our traditional shift patterns. We had operatives coming on shift in the afternoon once all the services were over and they would be on site until around 9pm. This allowed us to carry out any noisy activities in the most sensitive way possible.

“We will continue with this during the next phase of works, which is expected to take until October.”

Cllr Bob Bushell Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council added: “These works are important to ensure we can continue to deliver a high-quality service, in an attractive environment where people can say goodbye to their loved ones.

“The second chapel is a great addition to the site and I am pleased to see these works progressing.”

The construction works are taking place from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday and all-day Friday, Saturday and Sunday which will significantly minimise disruption to normal services.