Gravesham’s first crematorium is on target to open its doors in a matter of weeks, with the ability to beam services all over the world.

The London Crematorium Company (LCC) is preparing to open the facility in Gravesend Road, Shorne, just in time for Christmas, with state-of-the-art technology among its headline features.

Boasting access to a massive library of online music for services, and the ability to live stream services for the benefit of friends and family unable to attend, a truly 21st century crematorium is promised.

Staff were on hand to show councillors and other local dignitaries around last Friday afternoon, with an as yet unconfirmed opening date being pencilled in for mid-December.

Managing director Stephen Wright said: “The point of today is to let the community of the Gravesham borough know that we’re here now and that we’re almost ready for receiving the bereaved.

“The crematorium building should be open about two weeks from now. The cemetery areas are going to be open some time next year, probably summer. There’s still a lot of groundwork development to be done there.

“We have got the latest equipment, with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. We can do live streaming on the internet for people like ex-pats that can’t make it over to the UK.

“The screens in the overflow waiting rooms can be used to view the services when there are large amounts of mourners.”

Despite the desire to publicise the facility’s technological assets, the crematorium’s countryside location ensures it will blend in nicely with the area’s history and heritage.

Nearby St Mary’s Church, Chalk, provides a scenic backdrop and the LCC is not concerned about the ongoing possibility of a new Lower Thames Crossing burrowing its way through the surrounding land.

Canterbury architects Clague designed the brick and tile building with a rural farmstead feel, with views over the Thames Estuary.

Mr Wright continued: “This is effectively a 27 acre memorial park and once all the landscaping is complete it will be an absolutely beautiful place for people to visit, not just for funerals, but to remember people also.

"The Gravesham community will have a first class facility right on its doorstep" Stephen Wright

“The location fits very well between places like Eltham and Blue Bell Hill. The Gravesham community will have a first class facility right on its doorstep.”

Among those treated to their first look was local historian Christoph Bull, who revealed that it had been built on the appropriately named site of Dead Man’s Bottom.

He described it as “a very welcome development for the people of Chalk”, a view shared by Kent County Council’s Gravesham East councillor Diane Marsh (Con).

She said: “We have been trying to get a crematorium built for many years, so it means a lot to have finally got to this point.

“There is a big gap in service between Eltham and Medway crematoriums and local people now have a sensible choice. I know Sittingbourne crematorium well and also know the high standards will be maintained here.”

Lead architect Mayler Colloton said: “Clague Architects wish London Cremation Company well with the opening of their new facility.

"The launch follows some four years of planning, design and development work including consultations with the local authority, community and faith groups. The crematorium itself features two stunning chapel spaces each with high vaulted ceilings and dramatic glazed rooflights.

“We hope that the design and quality of the new building and its 26 acre landscape setting will be a fitting and dignified backdrop for services for the local community for years to come.”

Sittingbourne crematorium is the LCC’s only other Kent facility, with its others spread across London, Surrey and Oxfordshire.