New £9.4 million county mortuary opens in Northampton
It will become fully operational on 28th April 2026
Northampton's new £9.4 million County Mortuary has officially opened.
The mortuary, at Riverside Business Park, has been developed by West Northamptonshire Council in collaboration with the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, the Northamptonshire Coroner’s Service, police, and funeral directors.
The facility replaces previous hospital-based arrangements with a coordinated service designed for both families and professionals.
For the first time, all post-mortem services in Northamptonshire are concentrated in one dedicated location, easing hospital pressure.
The mortuary offers both invasive and non-invasive examinations and includes private spaces for them to spend time with their loved ones, with support from trained staff.
Mrs Anne Pember, Senior Coroner for Northamptonshire, emphasised the importance of this development for the Coroner’s Service:
"The opening of the County Mortuary represents an important step forward for the Coroner’s Service.
"It provides the environment and facilities needed to carry out investigations effectively, while ensuring respect for the deceased and clear communication with families.”
Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, applauded the collaborative effort behind the project:
Robin Binks, UHN Director of Nursing, acknowledged that the mortuary would offer comfort and reassurance to families:
"This is not just about celebrating a building, but about reaffirming our commitment as an enabling council to compassion, professionalism, and responsibility; especially where trust matters most.
"It also shows what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared purpose and a clear focus on doing the right thing.”
"The new county mortuary will make a real difference to the people of Northamptonshire at a time of profound loss.
"This dedicated setting will allow families to view their loved ones on site, which is not possible at one of our hospital sites.
"We hope that having this quiet, supportive space will offer some comfort and reassurance to bereaved families when they need it most.”
The Northamptonshire County Mortuary will become fully operational on 28th April 2026,