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News: Site works

There have been several large-scale projects at the Cathedral in recent months. This news item points readers to the project information pages of this website and will be updated on a regular basis.

The People’s Cathedral Project

The project description can be found on The People's Cathedral pages of our website.

 LATEST UPDATE

A document containing the information about the building works in the Cathedral can be downloaded here (PDF)

OVERVIEW
Guildford Cathedral is undertaking an extensive project with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to transform a unique site of modern heritage and secure  the long term future of an iconic Grade II* listed building.

“The People’s Cathedral Project”, a term coined in response to the 200,000 ordinary people who ‘bought a brick’ to pay for  the completion of Guildford Cathedral, is an ambitious 30 month initiative combining urgent building repairs with an exciting community engagement programme to capture and reveal the rich heritage  and history behind this stunning 20th century building.  

This is a really exciting time for the Cathedral with work well underway on site and significant and impressive scaffolding throughout the Nave.

We are open to the public and do encourage you to visit and see this once in a lifetime feat of engineering.

At times areas in the Cathedral maybe restricted but the Children's Chapel, Treasury, Lady Chapel and Sanctuary are generally accessible - providing an excellent place to view the works.

HEATING
Please note, the Cathedral is currently not able to use its underfloor heating system due to a  protective layer of marine ply board covering the flooring to protect the stonework. As a result, the Cathedral is colder than normal. Blankets are available during services, please do ask if you are feeling cold.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
Please note, there is no access to the following areas:

  • · Baptistery
  • · North West Staircase
  • · North Porch and North Garth
  • · South Aisle and North Aisle
  • · Narthex
  • · South Porch – (Buxton site office)

The main West Doors will be closed during the week as this will be the main access point for materials coming into the Cathedral. The West Doors will be open for the weekend.

There is no access to via the North Garth, please use the St Ursula’s Porch Entrance.

There will be no access to the Stewards Room during the week. A corridor access will be available for the weekends.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Please respect all barriers on site and do not enter restricted areas or move barriers as this may endanger you and others.

Ensuring Health and Safety during the project is paramount, please be aware furniture will be being stored around the Cathedral so consider this as you move about the site.

Any Health and Safety concerns or incidents should be reported to the Virger on duty. If you feel there is a need to stop work on site, please contact Helen Ellis in the first instance or Matt O’Grady if Helen is not available. Please do not ask Buxton site staff unless there is an emergency.

Please respect all barriers on site and do not enter restricted areas or move barriers as this may endanger you and others.

This is a very exciting time for the project and we will endeavour to keep our community informed of restricted areas or changes to entry and exit points around the Cathedral. At this time, we ask for your patience and flexibility as the project beds down. If you have any specific concerns or queries, please do not hesitate in contacting Helen Ellis on 01483 547888 or helen@guildford-cathedral.org.

First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund

In March 2015, Guildford Cathedral secured funding through the Government's First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, to undertake essential repairs to the tower and transepts. The project is now complete.

Details of the work including a photo gallery can be found on the First World War Centeneray Repairs Fund pages of our website.

Keep in touch

Sign up to our Interpretation Officer's People's Cathedral Project Blog for regular updates.

If you would like to stay informed about the projects, please subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter by emailing Helen Ellis, HLF Project Manager, helen@guildford-cathedral.org, or write to her at the Cathedral office address.

Added Friday 29th January 2016