Council needs extra £3.5m to complete crematorium

Work on the scheme started in 2023, but the council terminated the contract of the previous architect in 2024 due to "several significant issues" being identified

Bolsover District Council is set to approve proposals to borrow £3.5 million to fund the completion of building works for a new crematorium.

The council initially agreed to fund the new complex - near Shirebrook's cemetery in Common Lane, Derbyshire - at an estimated cost of £9.2m in 2022.

Work on the scheme then started in 2023, but the council terminated the contract of the previous architect in 2024 due to "several significant issues" being identified.

Councillors are recommended to approve borrowing an additional £3.5 million for the completion of the project when they meet on 30 July at The Arc in Clowne.

A council report said "significant costs" had been incurred throughout the project as a direct result of the "failings with the original architect" to the scheme.

It added following the termination of the contract, works undertaken on site "slowed significantly" and work remobilised after a new architect was appointed.

The council previously said the new complex would ease the strain on other crematoriums and reduce waiting times for funerals.

The report added: "Bringing in an architect practice who are very experienced in crematoria design, to undertake a full review and produce a co-ordinated design pack has presented an opportunity to further value engineer costs and packages of work.

"Every effort has been made by both the client team and the contractor to reduce costs, and where possible, they have been implemented."