BCP Bereavement Care

Poole Crematorium, home to the Halo Ceremony Hall, is located at Gravel Hill, Broadstone, Bournemouth, Poole BH17 9BQ. Learn about opening times and parking information.

History of Poole Crematorium

Poole Crematorium was built in 1985 and is nestled in a protected AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) location amongst the trees and heathland of Gravel Hill and Canford Heath. The original chapel is of a red-bricked architectural design with striking pitched roofing. It is surrounded by a natural woodland area that provides habitation for a number of wildlife species thus increasing the bio-diversity of the local area.

The site is also home to the largest bat colony of the common species 'Pipistrelle' on the south coast. The colony is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Up until April 2020, the site operated as a working crematorium but following the decommissioning of the ageing cremator equipment the site has continued to operate as a venue-only site with the deceased being conveyed to Bournemouth Crematorium for cremation following their service.

The site remains a popular choice for the local community when making funeral arrangements, with over 2500 services held at Poole since its cremator was decommissioned.

Electric Cremators

Following Cabinet on 06 September 2023 an amendment to the recommendation made by Cabinet in March 2023 was agreed with the following recommendations voted on and approved by Cabinet in September:

• Cabinet agrees Option 1: To pause a reinvestment decision in new electric cremators at Poole Crematorium and review the future operating model for BCP Bereavement Services.
• Cabinet commit to meet with representatives of the bereavement industry and faith sector to discuss the feasibility of working in partnership to deliver cremator provision at Poole Crematorium.
• Cabinet asks Officers to prepare a detailed financial review of the service and present options for investment and operational delivery models to future Cabinet.

The Halo Ceremony Hall at Poole Crematorium

Extensive refurbishment of the building was carried out in 2022 as part of Phase 1 of the Bereavement Services Business Plan 2021-26 approved by BCP Council in December 2019.

This work included significant improvements to:

• The Ceremony Hall increased its seating capacity to 120
• Waiting room and visitor toilets
• A new Book of Remembrance private viewing room
• A new covered floral wreath court
• A new standalone shelter
• Landscaping of the grounds on approach and surrounding the main building
• The customer reception and office areas
• The Cloisters, including a wildlife-inspired mural by a local artist

Read more about the stunning Halo Ceremony Hall.