COUNCILLORS in Salisbury are looking to invest £525,000 into the city’s crematorium to ensure the facility continues to serve the community safely and efficiently.

The proposal is among those included in the Liberal Democrat administration’s draft 2026/27 budget and medium-term financial plan.

Cremators typically have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, and council documents indicate that full replacement is likely to cost around £1 million when the current equipment reaches the end of its life in or around 2033.

Cllr Annie Riddle explained: “The roof has been fixed and the council is now looking to save up money over a few years to replace the actual cremators which will need to be done.”

If approved, the first round of funding worth £150,000 is earmarked for 2028/29, while a further £175,000 is forecast for 2029/30, with the final £200,000 being delivered in 2030/31.

Opposition Conservative councillors have also submitted their own draft 2026/27 budget and medium-term financial plan, allocating £350,000 forward funding provision towards the cost of replacing crematorium equipment.

Opened in 1960, the multi-faith Salisbury Crematorium facility and its Colvin-designed gardens occupy 6.5 acres on the outskirts of the city.

Regular upgrades are essential to keeping the facility safe and operational.

Councillors will discuss the proposed budget and medium-term plan for 2026/27 at a meeting of the finance committee on Monday (January 5) in The Guildhall.