New mortuary will offer 'greater compassion'

Planning permission has been granted for a new £9.5m public mortuary.

The facility on council-owned land in Northampton is aimed at simplifying and consolidating services, reducing the need for people to travel to multiple locations.

West Northamptonshire Council said it would feature modern spaces for families, including private viewing and identification areas to offer "greater compassion".

Construction of the site, at Booth Meadow on the Riverside Business Park, was expected to take about nine months.

The council said the number of post-mortem examinations in the county had increased in recent years and the additional mortuary would help to reduce delays.

Councillor Mike Hallam said: "This new facility will make [the bereavement] process a little easier by providing families with the dignity, care, and support they deserve."

"The new mortuary is more than just a building – it's a commitment to better care, greater compassion, and smarter, more efficient services.

"It's also a big step forward in how we manage and deliver post-mortem services, using modern technology to reduce delays and create a better experience for everyone involved."

In addition to its core services, the mortuary will support emergency response efforts in major incidents.

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