A new crematorium built to reduce journey times for mourners in Kent is set to open next month.

Work began on Herne Bay Crematorium in Bullockstone Road in December and now the finishing touches are being made.

The new location, set within 14 acres of grounds, means people from Herne Bay who have lost loved ones will no longer have to make lengthy journeys to Barham or Margate.

It is also hoped to serve families in Canterbury and Whitstable.

An open day for the public to look around the facility will take place on Saturday, November 11, two days before the site officially opens on Monday, November 13.

It will be the 40th site in the UK belonging to Westerleigh Group which also runs crematoriums in Barham and Charing.

James Brown, manager of Charing Crematorium since July 2022, will head up the Herne Bay site.

He said: “I am looking forward to opening our doors and providing local families with the exceptional care that Westerleigh Group is renowned for, working with them to provide uniquely personal services and memorials for their loved ones.

“No appointment is necessary for the open day, and we very much look forward to welcoming local families to our lovely grounds.

“Our open day offers an opportunity for anyone to come and visit our beautiful site and ask any questions they might have, in an informal setting, about what we do here and the support we provide to bereaved families.

“We look forward to welcoming people to our crematorium and starting to build those relationships which will ensure we provide a very positive presence within the local community.”

Herne Bay Crematorium has a contemporary chapel building with a seating capacity of 105, although additional space can be made available.

The size and décor can provide an intimate environment for smaller gatherings, while being able to comfortably accommodate larger congregations.

Eighty-nine standard parking spaces and four accessible parking spaces, plus an overflow car park have been created alongside four electric vehicle charging points.

A modern media centre will offers live webcasts and an almost unlimited music library through its partner Obitus will be available.

Additionally, two high-resolution tribute screens will be available for slide shows and other tributes.

The site wil also offer additional tribute screens in the main entrance lobby and outside under the porte cochere.

Westerleigh Group say the new site will be one of the most environmentally friendly crematoria in the country.

It features the latest advanced filtration and abatement technology, including NOx abatement, which should make a significant contribution towards offsetting the site’s carbon footprint.

To reduce its dependency on external sources of energy, a solar photovoltaic system, zonal heating system and low energy lighting have also been installed.

The open day on November 11 will be held between 11am and 2pm.