Behind the build of Northamptonshire’s new mortuary

Northamptonshire’s County Mortuary, officially opened in April, is the result of a major construction project to create a purpose-built, £9.4 million facility designed specifically for modern coronial services. 

Bringing together post-mortem activity previously spread across Northampton and Kettering hospital sites, the development was carefully planned from the ground up to meet contemporary standards of safety, efficiency, and dignity. 

From the outset, the building design focused on how the space could support both technical workflows and human experiences. The layout incorporates clearly defined zones to manage the movement of the deceased, staff and visitors, ensuring safe, discreet and efficient movement throughout the facility. Dedicated viewing rooms and cultural washing facilities were integrated into the design, alongside specialist areas equipped with modern technologies, including the capability for non-invasive post-mortem examinations. 

During construction, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) was involved, undertaking two advisory visits. These helped shape key elements of the build, including robust security measures for controlled access and systems to protect the dignity of the deceased, as well as traceability to enable accurate tracking at every stage. The HTA also provided input on the internal flow of the building, ensuring the physical environment supports safe operational practices. 

Once completed, the facility underwent formal HTA licensing assessment, demonstrating that the construction and fit-out met all required standards for post-mortem examination, storage, and the handling of relevant material. 

The project reflects a coordinated effort between West Northamptonshire Council, the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, the Coroner’s Service, police, and funeral directors. Their collaborative approach ensured the mortuary was not only well constructed, but fully operational from day one - delivering a modern, purpose-built environment designed to support both professional practice and families during bereavement. 

For more information on premises, security and traceability, see Post Mortem sector licensing standards and guidance.  

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