Last weekend, we were delighted to open the doors to our cathedral to give parishioners and visitors a glimpse into our exciting restoration project in our first Open Day.
Held on April 13th, the Open Day began with guided tours starting from the cathedral’s west door. Attendees were offered the opportunity to engage with contractors and architects, and witness first-hand some of the remarkable discoveries made so far.
Information boards showcasing photographs and insights into our restoration journey were prominently displayed and attendees were given exclusive access to view the restoration work and catch a glimpse of our vision for the beautiful interior of our parish home.
Sharing her insights from the tour, Margaret, one of the attendees said:
“It was very interesting to see the beauty that was hidden beneath the base paint. Those pillars are so beautiful, and I had never seen them. To think that this is just a vision of what it’s going to be like in the future, is truly astounding”.
Margaret looks forward to “being able to welcome people, to show them the glory of our Cathedral” once the project is completed.
Another attendee, Jonathan, commended the exceptional work of Purcell Architects and Simpsons of York, who brought their expertise in heritage consultancy, architecture, and conservation repairs to the project.
“The Cathedral is so different to how I remember it. They’re doing incredible work. Hearing from the builders, what they’re doing, how precise, how careful they happen to be and all the heart they put into it, is amazing. Really looking forward to seeing the finished work”.
The Open Day also shed light on ongoing efforts to restore some of the original design features and iconic splendour that had been lost, and the aim of making it the most sustainable cathedral in the country.
Our Cathedral restoration project tagged “Restoring the glory” is taking place in two phases. Phase 1 of the project, focused on the Church’s exterior, officially commenced on September 12th, 2022, and concluded in April 2023. The Church is currently closed for Phase 2, which entails the internal restoration and redecoration. It is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Click here for updates on our restoration journey.
