Sandwell Council's new £3.25 million crematorium is in the running for a top national award.
The crematorium, built on the site of the old crematorium in Newton Road, opened a year ago.
Adjoining the new chapel is a courtyard cafe together with new staff offices and improved car and coach parking.
Builders GF Tomlinson Birmingham Ltd started work on the site in late 2009 and completed work on the chapel itself less than a year later.
After the new chapel opened, work continued to partially demolish the old 1960s-style chapel and office buildings to create the new ones.
Now Sandwell Council has been told that the new complex has been shortlisted in the Best Community Building category of the National LABC Building Excellence Awards.
The winners will be announced at the national awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 1, being held in London.
The new crematorium, designed by Martin Critchell Architects, is larger, lighter, brighter and more environmentally friendly than the old building.
It includes state-of-the-art technology such as an online music selection service, where funeral directors and families can upload the songs or hymns they wish to have played.
Large groups of mourners can also watch the services on televisions in a covered area just outside the chapel should the main room, which can hold 125, be full.
Sandwell Council's bereavement services manager Brendan Day said: "I know the staff are really pleased that the new Sandwell Valley crematorium has been nominated.
"They have received many comments from families concerning the new building and in particular how nice the new chapel is."
The council's deputy leader and cabinet member for service improvement Councillor Mahboob Hussain said: "We are delighted to be nominated for this prestigious award.
"As an authority, we were committed to providing the bereaved with the best possible facility and I am pleased this is being recognised."