Peterborough Cathedral’s been awarded a grant of £2,464,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its ‘Peterborough 900: Letting it speak for itself’ project.
The project forms part of the Cathedral’s plans for development centreda round its 900th anniversary in 2018. The Peterborough 900: Letting it Speak for Itself project aims to ensure that the Cathedral plays an increasing role in the life of the City and Diocese. The aim of the project is to enhance visitors’ experience of the Cathedral.
The ambitious plans will give visitors the opportunity to experience a fresh and exciting interpretation of the Cathedral and its faith story. New glazed doors will create a more welcoming entrance at the West Front of the Cathedral and access will be improved.
The project will also conserve and convert the Knights’ Chamber, a Grade I listed building, into a reception area for schools and visiting groups. A new Heritage, Visitor and Education Centre will be created within the Precincts, by converting and conserving a Grade II listed building.
The new Heritage Centre will also help the Cathedral to work with a larger number of schools and young people from a wider area. On offer will be high-tech interpretation materials and enhanced facilities for people with disabilities.
It’ll also provide space for the Cathedral to develop its work with vulnerable people and community groups which includes a programme of imaginative activities and inspiring events to ensure that many people have the opportunity to get involved.
The Very Reverend Charles Taylor, Dean of Peterborough said: “This award is very good news for Peterborough Cathedral, for the city and the wider region. It affirms our plans to make our Cathedral more accessible to new visitors, not only physically but also intellectually and culturally. This can only be good for the regional life and economy. We are enormously grateful to HLF for recognising what the Cathedral can offer to the community, and also to all who have supported the bid.”
Councillor Graham Casey, Heritage Champion for Peterborough City Council, added: “It is fantastic news that our wonderful Norman Cathedral has been awarded such a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“The cathedral is the foremost jewel in the city’s crown and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a beautiful building in our city centre. It attracts a large number of visitors to Peterborough each year and anything that helps to ensure that continues, such as this funding, is most welcome.”
It’s hoped that the work to Peterborough Cathedral will take place during 2014 and 2015, phased where necessary to allow the Cathedral to continue with its work as a centre for Christian worship.
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