Northamptonshire mortuary in running for another award after double national success
“This latest recognition highlights the quality of the project and the long-term value it is providing for Northamptonshire.” – Councillor Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council
A Northamptonshire mortuary which won two national construction awards last month is now in the running for another honour at a county awards ceremony.
Northamptonshire County Mortuary, owned and operated by West Northamptonshire Council, has been shortlisted for the Land & Development Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards.
The nomination follows success at October's National Building and Construction Awards, where the project received gold for Project of the Year and silver for Community Engagement.
The latest award recognises developments which have made a significant difference to the county's landscape, communities or economy, with consideration given to environmental impact and innovative approaches.
The mortuary was developed to provide updated facilities for coroners, forensic specialists and other agencies involved in investigating deaths, while supporting families experiencing bereavement.
It includes specialist equipment for pathology and forensic work, and has been designed to accommodate future demand for the service.
The building also has the flexibility to respond to major incidents or periods of increased demand, when additional mortuary capacity may be required.
West Northamptonshire Council leader Councillor Mark Arnull said: "The new mortuary is an important facility for the county and provides a vital public service for bereaved families during a difficult time in their lives."
He added: "It was designed to bring together modern facilities, specialist equipment and the capacity needed to support coronial and forensic services."
The council said the facility was intended to enable investigations to be carried out efficiently and sensitively, alongside providing respectful care for those who have died.
Reflecting on the national awards, Councillor Arnull said: "Winning two awards at the National Building and Construction Awards showed what can be achieved when there is a clear focus on delivering a building that meets the needs of our partners and local communities."
He added: "This latest recognition highlights the quality of the project and the long-term value it is providing for Northamptonshire."
The shortlisting means the council-run facility will now be considered for a county-level prize, following recognition for both its construction and community engagement nationally this year.
The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards celebrate organisations and projects contributing to the county, with the Land & Development category covering schemes that combine development with benefits for the wider area.
Winners are due to be announced on Friday, November 27, at the County Ground in Northampton.