Kelvin Grove funeral home’s $3.5 million makeover is stunning

A Brisbane funeral home’s $3.5 million makeover means you’ll never have to miss another farewell again.

The landmark premises on Kelvin Grove Road was relaunched following a $3.5 million makeover. The original 1960s doors were restored. PICTURE: www.ipswich.photo

THE $3.5 million makeover of a Kelvin Grove funeral home has not only transformed its physical space. The new-look George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals and White Lady Funerals premise on Kelvin Grove Rd has also reached into cyber space, with the installation of state-of-the-art live-streaming technology.

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Kelvin Grove. Kelvin Grove’s Funeral Home Becomes One of Queensland’s Largest The landmark premises on Kelvin Grove Road relaunched following $3.5 million makeover. Joanne Smith, Location Manager, Kelvin Grove www.ipswich.photo

Location manager Joanne Smith said that means mourners can be part of a funeral from anywhere in the world. A recent funeral included an eulogy delivered by a relative living in the US. He delivered the speech to the crowd at Kelvin Grove, from a room in his home.

“The facility uses One Room which is a fully automated webcasting system that records and streams live. Through a simple email invitation family and friends are able to access the service,” Ms Smith said.

“It is specifically designed for funeral homes and crematoriums.

“It records, stores and can stream live or delayed, a high-quality video of the funeral event. “The webcast/streaming ensures members and friends who are unable to be there because of age, distance or ill-health need not be left out of the service. Those attending also appreciate the opportunity to watch again at a later stage - this can further help with the grieving, remembering and celebrating the life of their loved one.”

She said the revamp “embodied modern, changing views of death”.

The landmark premises on Kelvin Grove Road was relaunched following a $3.5 million makeover. PICTURE: www.ipswich.photo

“We’re so proud of the new look venue,” she said.

“Our customers are increasingly coming to us to help them celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a beautiful respectful manner. This shift in attitudes was the guiding principle behind the design alongside extensive consumer research, which told us that people wanted a facility that provided the same sense of calm as a day spa.

The landmark premises on Kelvin Grove Road was relaunched following a $3.5 million makeover. PICTURE: www.ipswich.photo

“As such, we wanted Kelvin Grove Funeral Home to feel welcoming, bright and elegant; somewhere to mourn, but also share treasured memories and remember people at their best.”

The building also includes a “first-of-its-kind water feature”, a 150 seat non-denominational chapel, a celebration and reflection lounge, outdoor decked area, and catering facilities.

The landmark premises on Kelvin Grove Road was relaunched following a $3.5 million makeover. PICTURE: www.ipswich.photo

“While it may sound odd to some to visit a funeral home for anything but a funeral, we’ve actually hosted many community activities over the years, from Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, to Queensland Country Women’s Association workshops and local art shows,” she said.

“We hope that people and community groups in Kelvin Grove will continue to make us a part of their occasions.”

The landmark premises on Kelvin Grove Road was relaunched following a $3.5 million makeover. PICTURE: www.ipswich.photo

She said redevelopment began in May last year.

She said the building’s rose garden and original, 1960s chapel doors were restored.