The cathedral has been awarded £4.2m National Lottery Heritage funding for the Common Ground in Sacred Space project which will see the building re-established as a dynamic community hub and a key attraction in the city centre.
Historic Property Restoration Limited has been appointed as the construction contractor for the £3.7m restoration project which will include physical changes inside and out, including removal of the pews; installing underfloor heating; renewing the Nave floor to create a stunning open and flexible space. The outside site will be transformed by extensive landscaping to both the south and east churchyards. The basement beneath the cathedral hall will be converted into visitor facilities for staff, volunteers and visitors.
The project is expected to create 7 new jobs, 100 new volunteer opportunities and attract over 100,000 visitors to the cathedral each year.
The aim is for visitors to enjoy an art, architectural and heritage experience in the cathedral. There will be activities and an events programme for schools, families, community groups, and tourists both from the region and further afield.
For a recent update on our work at St Nicholas' Cathedral, why not follow this link: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/on-site-with-the-site-foreman/
Lindy Gilliland, the Project Manager for Newcastle Cathedral, had this to say: "The Dean and Chapter and its Fabric Advisory Committee is thrilled with the quality of work produced by HPR Ltd. The skills exhibited in stone masonry are particularly fine.
The task force has displayed respect to the ancient fabric of the building and dedication to the task in hand during particularly difficult times of COVID. The company showed great resolve in continuing on site and working through the procedures required to maintain a safe, COVID free site. Managers and staff have developed good relations with the client team – we couldn’t have asked for better attitude or commitment.
The remodelled nave, landscaping and visitor facilities now provide a flexible, fit for purpose community space as well as an enhanced place of worship which can rival any other city’s cathedral. This is a major civic building and a place which will re-open in July to welcome locals, tourists, schools and the vulnerable – all who will experience the warmth and care taken by HPR in transforming the building to make sacred space common ground."
