Gravesham will finally get its own crematorium as building work nears completion.

The Gravesend Crematorium and Cemetery, in Chalk, is due to open before Christmas. News of its impending arrival will relieve people who live in the area, with the nearest options available at the moment as far away as Eltham and Blue Bell Hill.

Built by the London Crematorium Company (LCC), the oldest crematorium authority in the country, the 27-acre project features a woodland burial area and extensive areas laid aside for wildlife, in addition to its crematorium and formal cemetery.

Canterbury architects Clague designed the brick and tile build, which has been given a rural farmstead feel, surrounded by fields with views over the Thames estuary.

Building work began in August 2015 and when finished there will also be a car park with 58 spaces, with an overflow for a further 48 vehicles.

LCC managing director Stephen Wright said: “This unusual and prestigious project is a shining example of collaborative design-and-build expertise, utilising homegrown and local talent.

“It is there to serve the community and is a wonderful addition to the LCC group and fits perfectly with our long tradition of providing quality services to the bereaved.”

LCC owns and operates five other crematoria, all in London and the South East, including one in Sittingbourne. Chairman Harvey Thomas said: “I congratulate the excellent teams who have worked together on the building and my LCC colleagues who have led the project so successfully.”

Construction of the crematorium was managed by Mercia Crematoria, with Paddock Wood firm Baxall Construction appointed as the building contractor.