August 2nd2013

Hastings cemetery chapel reopens

The chapel at Hastings cemetery has reopened following some building alterations.

The chapel was closed in October 2012 due to its earthquake assessment and concern that some of the construction was a risk to users. A number of low cost, interim improvements have been made that will reduce the risk to users and make the chapel available for use by the community again.

The improvements that have been completed in the chapel area are:

· The removal of an internal, freestanding single skin block wall around the catafalque (fixture that supports the casket during the service).This has been replaced with an internal timber framed wall,

· The removal of the canopy at the front of the chapel. An engineering report showed that this structure posed a danger to the public. A side effect of the removal is that the original design at the entranceway has been exposed,

· A small reduction to the seating has been made within the chapel, to provide easier egress if required.

· Notification to users that the chapel remains classified as Earthquake Prone (<33% of the current building code).

Chairman of the HB Crematorium Committee Margaret Twigg says “We are pleased that the chapel is once again available for services and committals. The closure did cause some inconvenience for families at their most vulnerable time but we were able to continue operating the other services provided by crematorium staff.”

Margaret Twigg says “Efforts will now focus on the longer term design options for the building. Once we have worked through the options which are available, the Committee members will have a better understanding of what the future holds for the facility.”

The chapel remains on the Council’s Earthquake Prone Building register with a detailed engineering assessment of 22% of the current building code. Government regulations require buildings to rate above 33% of the code to avoid being placed on the register.

The chapel will be available for services from Monday 5th August 2013.

The crematorium was built in 1943/44 and the first cremation took place on the 15th December 1944. The crematorium services the area from Wairoa to Central Hawke’s Bay.

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