New crematorium will offer state-of-the-art funerals

Work has started on building a brand-new crematorium and funeral SuperVenue near Newcastle which will offer local families the chance to personalise their loved one’s funeral to unprecedented levels.

The new Great North Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, being developed by Westerleigh Group, will feature state-of-the-art technology provided by Obitus, enabling the bereaved to make their loved one’s farewells more uniquely personal than ever before.

The new crematorium is being built on a 15-acre site off Arcot Lane, just west of Cramlington, and is expected to open in winter 2026.

One of its kind in the area, the world-leading audio-visual technology will enable a dynamic theme, as selected by the closest family, to be displayed onto the ‘canvas’ – the entire front wall at the chapel. The canvas can be also be accompanied by harmoniously coordinated soundscapes and lighting to further elevate the atmosphere of the chosen theme.

Tribute photos, visual and themed tributes, and webcasts will continue to be offered in line with current standards across other crematoria. However, the SuperVenue will provide additional opportunities for personalisation, including the option to display an image of the loved one or their order of service on external welcome screens.

The chapel will accommodate 112 guests seated with ample room for standing and external screens for larger congregations. There will be parking for 120 cars, including several accessible parking spaces.

Moveable catafalque will provide additional flexibility with setting its location – whether it’s in the central chapel area or brought forward, closer to mourners – it will allow each family to choose the most fitting location for resting their loved one’s coffin for the service.  

One-hour-long services, which include entry and exit times and with options to extend, will ensure that no service feels rushed and is able to accommodate the needs of the family.

The site was carefully chosen so that it is accessible to families within the wider Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside area, whilst at the same time providing a beautiful, secluded, and tranquil setting.

Its location and the design of the modest chapel building, coupled with its natural screening, minimises any visual impact on local communities.

It has been designed with the environment and sustainability in mind and will be one of the most environmentally friendly crematoria in the UK.

A series of open spaces will guide visitors to the chapel and the approach to the building will be framed by the welcome garden, an integral feature of the site which provides a year-round outdoor assembly space incorporating shelters for meeting and quiet contemplation before entry to the building.

Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, and which is trusted by more families than any other provider to deliver funerals for their loved ones. 

All of Westerleigh's locations are set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect, while benefiting from exceptional care and support from its teams.

Ed Lane, Managing Director – Crematoria and Cemeteries from Westerleigh Group, said: “We’re excited to be developing our first crematorium in the North East of England, introducing the communities there to the exceptional levels of care and service that we have built our reputation on.

“We’re especially pleased to be able to incorporate the immersive technology into this development as it is built.

“We are particularly proud of how this offers the bereaved an option to personalise a final farewell to unprecedented levels.

“Whether it’s a waterfall or a seasonal background, or even the stadium of their favourite football team, there will be a wide range of themes and choices available, with many options to tailor the displays to be specifically relevant to the person being honoured.

“It means funerals can be more uniquely personal and memorable than ever before.

“The development of this new crematorium marks an important step in our ongoing investment to ensure communities across the UK have access to high-quality, beautifully-designed, facilities that offer choice, exceptional care, and compassion.”

For more information about the new crematorium, visit www.greatnorthcrematorium.co.uk