A £24million contract to find new operators for a crematorium six years after the facility stopped operations due to equipment failure.
BCP Council has put out a tender to find a new operator for Poole Crematorium under a 20-year agreement.
BCP Council stopped operations at the crematorium on Gravel Hill in 2020 because of equipment failure.
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Since then, families have been able to hold ceremonial services at Halo Hall, but the actual cremations have taken place in Bournemouth.
It has previously been reported that in January 2024, an open engagement session was held with representatives at Halo Hall.
In February 2024, a Prior Information Notice (PIN) was published by BCP procurement which received nine formal responses.
Interested parties have followed up with the council since representations were received in response to the PIN; an additional party has expressed interest in the site to the council.
In November 2025, BCP Council’s Cabinet unanimously approved finding a new operator for the facility to run services.
The contract includes a commitment to invest in improved facilities, with cremations currently being carried out in Bournemouth while services continue at Poole’s Halo Hall.
Councillor Sandra Moore, portfolio holder for communities and partnerships at BCP Council, said: “We know our residents want to see Poole Crematorium fully operational again and, following consultation with stakeholders, we have now launched an opportunity to the market to procure a concession contract that we hope will make this possible.
“This is seeking options from the industry to secure new investment in the continued operation and maintenance of cremation facilities in the town for years to come and improve the service we can offer bereaved families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and wider communities.”
The new concession contract is valued at £24million, including Value Added Tax (VAT).
The contract is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2027, and will run until January 31, 2047.
The council has consulted with stakeholders as part of the decision-making process.
Interested companies have until July 17, 2026, to submit their bids for the contract.
A decision on who will be awarded the 20-year contract is estimated to be made by February 1, 2027.
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