New mortuary build moves closer to next major milestone

08 October 2025

Construction of the new public mortuary at Riverside Business Park in Northampton is progressing at pace, with the building soon to be fully wind and watertight. 

Recent site progress includes the completion of the roof with lighting and solar panels installed, ongoing external cladding and insulation, the finished concrete surface for the rear service yard, and progress on the power substation and access road. Internally, steelwork framing has started, marking the next phase of the build. 

Expected to open in early spring 2026, the purpose-built mortuary will deliver the highest standards of care and compassion for families across Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas. It will provide modern, private spaces for families, including dedicated viewing and identification rooms, to ensure a respectful and supportive experience during difficult times. 

The facility will bring essential post-mortem services under one roof, simplifying processes and reducing the need for travel between different sites. This will help families by reducing delays and improve efficiency for funeral directors, healthcare professionals, and other key services. 

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences any family will face. This new mortuary will provide the care and dignity families deserve at a difficult time. The progress that has been made is a major step forward towards opening this vital service for our community.Councillor Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR and Regulatory Services

The mortuary will also support emergency services in the event of major incidents, such as disasters involving multiple fatalities . This ensures Northamptonshire is well-prepared to respond while continuing to provide vital community services. 

The project is being delivered by Stepnell Ltd, a contractor experienced in managing large-scale public sector construction. 

With the building soon to be wind and watertight, we have created the conditions to safely and efficiently progress the internal fit-out. We are proud to be delivering a facility that will make an important difference to families and frontline services across the area.Graham Lambert, Director at Stepnell Ltd

For more information about the Northampton Mortuary project, visit the West Northamptonshire Council website.