The new £9.4 million Northamptonshire County Mortuary officially opened at Riverside Business Park in Northampton on 24 April 2026, and is set to become fully operational on 28 April 2026. The facility marks a significant change for the area, as it brings post-mortem services together in one purpose-built location for the first time.
Delivered by West Northamptonshire Council in partnership with the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, the Northamptonshire Coroner’s Service, police, and local funeral directors, the site aims to provide a more consistent approach to bereavement services. The project addresses long-standing space constraints that have affected the county, including a lack of viewing facilities at Kettering General Hospital since 2020.
The facility is designed with a focus on supporting grieving families. It features dedicated rooms for viewing and identification, as well as quiet spaces and cultural washing facilities. The building also includes a CT scanner, which allows for post-mortem examinations that require minimal disturbance to the body.
The construction, carried out by Stepnell Ltd, began in March 2025. While the project saw cost increases and a six-month delay following a requirement to reposition the building to meet planning standards, it is now ready to serve the community. Beyond its daily functions, the mortuary includes the capacity to provide emergency body storage, ensuring the county is better prepared for major incidents.
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