Salford Cathedral plans multi-million pound restoration project

Source: Diocese of Salford

Salford Cathedral has publicly revealed the first exciting details of its multi-million pound restoration project. The works involve extensive repairs, redecoration, and future proofing to bring this historic focal point of Salford into the 21st century.

Details of the work are on display in the cathedral alongside architectural drawings and concept art explaining the next steps on the restoration journey.

The plans give a glimpse of what the cathedral may look like when it reopens following the restoration project. On display is the detailed floor plan, showing the proposed changes to the flooring and layout of the cathedral.

A spokesperson for the cathedral said: "The interior designs aim to restore the original glory of the cathedral, creating a richly decorated and atmospheric space, restoring some of the original design features that have been lost over the years. Using contemporary techniques to reveal the former glory of the building will allow us to become a sustainable cathedral for future generations."

In addition to this update on the work that is to come, Salford Cathedral have provided details of immediate external repairs and improvements. This work includes refurbishment of the roof and tower and secondary glazing to all the windows.

The spokesperson said: "Large parts of the cathedral are in poor condition due to unsympathetic works carried out in the past. Extensive repairs are necessary to prevent further deterioration to the cathedral. The work to the interior of the cathedral cannot start until the building is watertight."

Our recent inspection report identified sections of the existing roof that require re-roofing. The nave roof, for example, is not under-felted, presenting the risk of water ingress into the building.

All replacement work will be done in a like-for-like material or will replace modern repairs not in keeping with original look of the cathedral.

"Parts of the roof are uninsulated, and this does not help us heat the cathedral in the most efficient way. The refurbishment work will help us on our journey to be the most sustainable cathedral in the UK. It will also provide long term solutions to increasingly unpredictable and extreme patterns of weather associated with climate change."

If you have any further questions on the external repairs or would like to submit any feedback, please fill in this form or email communications@salfordcathedral.co.uk.

Further consultation on Phase 2 (internal works) of the Restoration Project will take place later this year.

You can follow the restoration journey by checking for regular updates at: https://salfordcathedral.co.uk/