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

Work has started on building a brand-new crematorium and funeral SuperVenue in North Yorkshire, just on the outskirts of York, which will offer local families the chance to personalise their loved one’s funeral to unprecedented levels.

The North York 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 13-acre site just off the A64 Arcot Lane, near the York biotech campus and the Village of Sand Hutton. It 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 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 Westerleigh Group 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 127 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 York and the wider North Yorkshire 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, will minimise 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. The approach to the chapel will be framed by the welcome garden, an integral feature within the grounds which provides a year-round outdoor assembly space incorporating shelters for meeting and quiet contemplation before entry to the chapel.

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 benefitting 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 this crematorium in York, introducing the local bereaved communities to the exceptional levels of care Westerleigh Group proudly upholds.

“We’re especially pleased to be able to incorporate the SuperVenue technology into this development and through it, offer the bereaved an option to personalise a final farewell to unprecedented levels.

“There will be a wide range of canvas options reflecting landscapes, seasons, pastime and even sports to allow families select one that reflects their loved one the most to then frame the service itself.

“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 when it matters the most.”

For more information about the new crematorium visit www.facebook.com/northyorkcrematorium and for career opportunities, visit https://careers.westerleighgroup.co.uk/