Contractor Stepnell has completed a mortuary facility in Northamptonshire, the first of its kind in England.
The facility brings together coronial and forensic mortuary services for the region, reducing pressure on hospital sites, while also offering capacity to support cases from across the UK and internationally.
The project includes dedicated viewing and identification rooms, cultural washing facilities and private spaces for bereaved families, aiming to create a “compassionate and supportive environment”.
Stepnell director Tom Sewell said: “The project required the seamless integration of complex mortuary systems and advanced scanning technology, alongside the creation of a building that delivers uncompromising technical performance while maintaining dignified spaces for bereaved families.”
Stepnell said the project presented several construction challenges, including building within a flood zone, protecting nearby wetlands and safely working around overhead power lines.
The scheme was delivered for main client, West Northamptonshire Council, through its framework partnership in collaboration with University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, Northamptonshire Coroner’s Service, Northamptonshire Police and local funeral directors.
The project team on the scheme included QS and employer’s agent RG+P, and architect pHp.
