Work is due to start this week to create more parking at South Shields Crematorium.
The improvements will extend the car park and install markings throughout the crematorium, creating a total of 67 parking spaces.
The move will help to alleviate on-road parking problems and issues with parking in nearby residential streets
Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “This final phase of parking improvements is aimed at enhancing the parking facilities at the crematorium so that people can visit the grounds more easily.
“By increasing the number of spaces, the site will be better able to accommodate large funeral parties. This will reduce pressure on nearby residential streets.
“People will still be able to park at the crematorium while this work is ongoing and we will try to keep disruption to a minimum.”
The work will start this Friday (15 July) and is expected to be complete in the Autumn.
The parking improvements are the latest in a series of upgrades to the crematorium building and grounds over the past year.
Developments have included a new roofing system, the installation of solar panels to save energy and reduced running costs and the provision of a glass and steel canopy over the main door to provide better shelter.
The Council is also upgrading the crematorium’s audio system to improve sound quality during services. A TV will be installed in the entrance vestibule so that funeral services can be screened to visitors outside the main chapel. The improvements will be particularly useful for funerals when there are a large number of guests in attendance.
Further developments planned over the next year include making alterations to the exit corridor and increasing the size of the lobby area where families and friends are greeted as they leave the building.
Councillor Smith added: “The crematorium provides an essential public service and we are committed to enhancing the facilities so that local people can pay their respects to their loved ones in a pleasant and welcoming environment.”