On Sunday 3rd July, we held an information session for Phase 2 of our Cathedral Restoration Project. The information boards that were on display in the cloisters are now in the cathedral, to the right of the entrance (behind the desk).
Read more about the works that will take place throughout Phase 2 (2023-4) below:
Phase 2 of our project relates to the internal repairs and restoration of the cathedral. The internal works will begin in Spring 2023 and will require the temporary closure of the church, during this time an alternative space will be provided.
The main aim of the internal restoration is to conserve our cathedral, renewing its interior and ensuring our sanctuary in the city is fully sustainable and a source of spiritual inspiration for future generations.
As part of this we will seek to provide full equal and integrated access across the cathedral.
Why these Repairs?
The works start later this year with external repairs to make the cathedral watertight and in good order. As we then move to Phase 2, we can concentrate on the internal aspects.
Large parts of the cathedral are in extremely poor repair, this is the right time to fix these and restore some of the original design features that have been lost over the years and enhance what we are able to offer our parish and community. These repairs will be performed using sustainable materials and methods.
What difference will you see?
The boards currently on display in the cathedral and available on the website provide visual examples of the work that will take place. They include:
- Reordering of the cathedral, including relocating the altar.
The altar will be relocated near its original position under the Tower Crossing. This will help restore the original splendour and ambience of the space.
It will also allow our growing Salford Cathedral Parish and wider community the additional seating capacity within the cathedral we require.
- Additional seating for our increasing congregation.
Additional seating will also be provided within the chancel for members of the clergy and choir. Whereas the existing cathedral seats circa 370 people, the proposed layout will provide seating for up to 450 people.
- Redecoration of the cathedral to restore original design features that have been lost over the years.
The current cathedral interior is very different from its original appearance – in the 1840s (when the cathedral first opened), the cathedral would have been brightly decorated with stencilled patterns, ornate furnishings and fittings and highly detailed encaustic tile floors. Successive re-orderings have meant that the cathedral has lost a lot of its exceptional detailing, ecclesiastical ambience and interior character.
The intention is to introduce interior finishes that match with the style and character of the original finishes. It is important to remember that the original design will not be replicated but will instead influence the modern design proposals. An image shown here demonstrates the ambition for the flooring scheme which utilises encaustic and geometric tiles manufactured by the same company that supplied tiles for the Cathedral in the 19th Century. Separate images show the proposed and original ceiling and wall decoration which will be refurbished to a condition as would be sympathetic with the original.
We have grown to understand historical buildings in a different way over the last few decades and the restoration project will look to renew the interior while remaining sensitive to the Cathedral’s Grade II* Listed status.
The Journey Continues
The re-ordering, repair and restoration project will not only restore the Cathedral’s heritage and sense of the sacred space but will maximise capacity for the growing parish community and visitors alike. It is an opportunity to the look to the future of the Cathedral and as part of the process we will provide space for the growing congregation and a flourishing music programme.
Please take some time to look at the boards on display in the cathedral. If you have any further questions or would like to submit any feedback please read and/or fill out this Information Leaflet and Feedback Form or email communications@salfordcathedral.co.uk
Read about Phase 1 (External Works) here. You can follow our restoration journey on our website here.
