East of England Co-op opens one of UK’s most advanced funeral branches in Norwich

The new branch on Drayton Road, near Norwich city centre, also features a dedicated Service Hall where multi-faith funeral services and ceremonies will be held for people and their loved ones. 

Today (Monday 2 December), the state-of-the-art branch in the north-west of the city was officially opened by Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vivien Thomas. It will offer an improved range of services for people living in Norwich and the surrounding area, including space for clients to receive expert advice on planning and arranging a funeral, as well as a Service Hall where funeral services can be held. 

The new Funeral Services branch represents a £4.5m investment from the independent retailer and demonstrates the co-op's commitment to improving the service they offer their clients in Norwich and Norfolk. 

Colin Dixon-Blair, Head of Funeral Services at East of England Co-op said: “We’re proud to be able to expand the range of services we offer our clients in Norwich. 

“The opening of this new larger branch, including use of our Service Hall and an improved, more calming space for arranging a funeral and for families to view their loved one, will significantly improve the service we can provide to our clients in and around Norwich. 

“We understand arranging a funeral can be an upsetting time, so our new branch is designed to be as comfortable as possible so we can provide the best support for our clients.” 

In a boost to the Mile Cross community, the opening of the Funeral branch on Drayton Road brings a former supermarket building back into use after standing empty for more than a year. East of England Co-op's fourteenth and largest Funeral branch in Norfolk, it brings East of England Co-op Funeral Services’ professional and knowledgeable experts from across Norwich together under one roof.  

The branch will be managed by experienced Operations Leader, Gary Clifton, and will be open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. 

Photo credits: Anglia Picture Agency