Open day at Hawke's Bay crematorium

The open day will give the public the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. Photo / Thinkstock

If you've ever wanted to know more about the science of grave digging - here is your chance.

An open day at the Hawke's Bay Chapel and Crematorium will also give the public a look at the proposed $1.2 million rebuild of the earthquake-prone buildings.

Plans will be on display at the July 4 open day, cemetery manager Garry Bowles said.

"It gives everyone a chance to see just what we are building. Ours is a facility that a lot of our people will find themselves in at what can be a traumatic time. Knowing what to expect can be very comforting."

The new cedar-clad building, expected to be completed by autumn next year, will feature a glass wall running almost the full length of the northwest facing of the chapel, ensuring the inside is flooded with light and warmth. The glass wall will be able to be opened for larger gatherings, so more people can stand under a sheltered porch and feel included in the chapel service.

The rebuild was triggered by an assessment of the buildings as earthquake prone and the layout of the buildings, particularly the crematorium, compromised staff safety.

The open day, will also give the public the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility including the current crematorium area to the rear of the chapel and get an insight into the "science of grave digging", Mr Bowles said.

Mayor Lawrence Yule said there was a "strong public service component in the region being able to rely on having a crematorium and chapel that allows people to bury their loved ones with dignity".

The open day will run between 10am and 3.30pm at the cemetery and crematorium, in Orchard Rd, Hastings.