Salford’s restoration will mark cathedral’s anniversary

[A MAJOR RESTORATION PROJECT is underway at one of England’s most notable Roman Catholic cathedrals, in Salford. The project – involving both exterior and interior repairs and upgrading – coincides with the 175th anniversary of the cathedral’s dedication in 1848.

The project aims to revive the iconic splendour of the church while making it the most sustainable cathedral in the country.

Salford Cathedral is a Grade Two*-listed building and its restoration masterplan incorporates the limitations that can impose. The plan also evidences the way in which we have grown to understand historical buildings in a different way over the past 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.

The first phase of the restoration, being carried out by Simpsons of York, focuses on the exterior of the cathedral, which involves a complete re-roof, the re-pointing of the stonework and other masonry repairs, as well as remedial works to the tower and spire.

Explaining the purpose of the restoration, the cathedral said: “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.”

It is expected that the first phase will be complete by April this year, when the cathedral will close to enable the second phase – the interior re-ordering and upgrading – to commence. During that phase the affairs of the cathedral will be carried on at a temporary structure in the cathedral precincts. It will enable both elements of the project to be carried out as a single project.

In a message on the cathedral’s website, the Cathedral Dean Fr Michael Jones wrote: “The extent of the restoration and conservation needed on the cathedral is a major operation and we have taken the decision to accelerate and condense the programme of work, rather than to do it piecemeal. This was not an easy decision to take, as this option means that the cathedral will have to close for 18 months while the interior work is carried out. Closing the cathedral was not our first preference, but it does mean that we will be able to make the repairs, restore and re-order the cathedral more quickly, safely and efficiently.

“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 the local catholic community.” q