Progress is being made on Hastings' revamped chapel and crematorium on Orchard Road, which has been granted a new resource consent to operate, with construction expected to get underway in May or June this year.
Plans for the refurbishment of the earthquake-prone building began in 2015 after the crematorium's chapel was closed in 2012 when it received a 29 per cent earthquake code rating.
It was re-opened in 2013 after remedial work but the complex still required further strengthening and a general upgrade.
An initial price-tag of $1.4 million met with concern among councillors who were split when approving funding for the facility, which had increased by $450,000 over initial estimates.
In a paper to the Hawke's Bay crematorium committee, to be considered on Monday next week, cemetery manager Isak Bester said in response to concerns about the escalating costs changes were approved to cut costs.