On September 12th 2022, work officially began on Phase 1 to restore the cathedral’s exterior. The first phase of the restoration focused on the exterior of the cathedral, which involved a complete re-roof, the re-pointing of the stonework and other masonry repairs, as well as remedial works to the tower and spire.

We also began the removal and conservation of the stain glass and the installation of secondary glazing. This glazing will not impact the look of the windows but will protect the glass. It will also further insulate the cathedral.

At the end of Phase 1, which now runs alongside Phase 2 we will install new external lighting. Placing the Cathedral back on the night time skyline once again.

We have captured some of the work via a time lapse camera so you can witness the progress as we go along.

What has been achieved so far

So far in Phase one we have completed:

• • Restored the roof including significant repair to stonework and new flashings, ridge tiles and gutters installed.

• • Completed repairs to the spire including the installation of new pinnacles.
  • Removed all the stain glass for conservation work, the reinstalltion has also begun alongside the secondary glazing.

• • Cleaned all the external stonework.
  • Groundworks on the site of the old confessional box.

By Early 2025 Phase 1 will be complete.

Phase 2 of our Cathedral Restoration has also commenced!

A temporary Cathedral has been opened, which is a one minute walk away from the Cathedral, located on Great George Street, M3 6EH. Here you will find all the parish services. Full times can be found on the home page.

Phase 2 concentrates on the interior. Salford Cathedral has been altered significantly over its lifetime, with much of the original layout and decoration having been removed in the latter half of the 20th Century.

We are aiming to restore the original internal character of the cathedral, reordering and relighting it, using sustainable technologies such as heat pumps, new insulation, and double-glazing each stained-glass window.

The plans for this phase include:

• A reordering of the cathedral, including relocating the altar closer to its original position under the Tower Crossing.
• The inclusion of additional seating for our increasing congregation.
• A redecoration of the cathedral to restore its original design features that have been lost over the years.
  

  What has been achieved so far?

  • Since we launched the major restoration project we have:
  • Began a rolling restoration and secondary glazing programme to the stain glass. The glass has started to be reinstalled.
  • Internally the floor has been broken out, all the themotex stone cleaning is complete and replastering has been undertaken where necessary
  • In Summer 2024 we began the internal redecoration, which you can witness in our update videos.

  Phase 2 is expected to be completed by Easter 2026.

Works Carried Out Since 2016

The restored WWI Memorial Chapel

The Cathedral is a Grade II* Listed Building and its restoration masterplan incorporates the limitations this can result in. The plan also evidences the way in which we have grown to understand historical buildings in a different way over the last few decades. Those involved in the Cathedral Restoration Project are learning to work with the building to enhance the fabric and reintroduce some of the lost aspects of the cathedral, restoring its former glory.

Working with architects Arrol and Snell, the decision of what needed to be completed first came after a quinquennial survey of the building. The first stage of the project was been made possible by a two grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, allowing for a full restoration of our very special WWI Memorial Chapel in 2016. A later award of £373,000 allowed crucial roof repairs to take place and a further £180,000 allowed us to create an alternative entrance (the north door) and piazza, improving accessibility.

As a result of these awards 2018 saw the reroofing of North Isle of the Cathedral, significant repair to stonework and new flashings, ridge tiles and gutters installed. Crucial to this first phase of work was incorporating access to the roof so that it is easier to maintain the fabric of the structure in the future. On 28 November 2021, we announced our plan for a full restoration. You can read about this here.