Lelley Fields Crematorium in Preston, Holderness, has won a national building award.
Opened in February 2022, the £9.6m state-of-the-art crematorium was named the Best Public or Community Building at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards, held in London.
The prestigious annual awards honour the top public sector constructions and individuals in the UK, and the important role played by council building control teams.
The award recognised Lelley Fields Crematorium for its surroundings, beautifully planted grounds, the natural materials used in its construction and for providing an ‘important service to the local rural community’.
The crematorium, off Sproatley Road, near Preston, was the first new crematorium to be built in the East Riding since 1998 and is the first crematorium to be operated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Work on the site started at the end of 2021 and saw contractor Kier working alongside the council’s building design team to deliver the innovative project.
Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “It’s a fantastic honour for this public building to win such a prestigious, national award.
“The building was most importantly designed to offer relatives and friends a peaceful and tranquil place to commemorate their loved ones.
“Huge congratulations to all the people involved in developing the original concept, design and construction of Lelley Fields and to the team there for running such a wonderful service for the residents of the East Riding.”
Dan Doherty, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to have won the national LABC Award for our Lelley Fields Crematorium project.
“This achievement is a testament to the fantastic partnership we have with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
“The facility was carefully designed with buildings that are sensitive to the environment, and I am proud of how the entire project team has created such a beautiful space for those who have lost loved ones.”
The LABC Building Excellence Awards judges said: “Lelley Fields, located in the peaceful countryside of Yorkshire, is a project that provides an important service to the local rural community.
“The design is carefully suited to its surroundings, giving the building a strong sense of place and purpose.
“The layout is practical and well-organised, with an orientation that offers beautiful views for mourners.
“It is fully accessible, with grounds featuring tree planting and wildflower meadows that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
“Set in a flat rural area, the building has a low profile, blending naturally into the landscape.
“Natural materials have been thoughtfully chosen, and the building includes features such as heat recovery, passive ventilation, and good insulation to reduce environmental impact.”
The awards highlight the key role of public sector building control teams in ensuring the safety, quality, and sustainability of building projects, showcasing the sector’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
