Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 28
Firstly A&RMÉ prepared a masterplan to contextualise
the 2021 capital project as Phase 1 of a multi-phase
development to liberate the potential of the north-west
corner of the Cathedral Precinct. This area is the site of
the Christian Service Centre designed by Sir Basil Spence,
which was never built. It is currently a carpark surrounded
by other low-quality post-war buildings without special
interest.
The new extension was designed to provide a direct
connection from the interior of the Cathedral to the
future development site. The building is considered a
bridge link and the primary structure and positions of
the vertical circulation elements (via new passenger lift
and external stair) are designed with future building
phases in mind.
Above, Harrabin Construction setting up site, 2020.
The major project delivered for 2021 was an extension to
the New Cathedral, which created new facilities to
support large scale special events held within the
Cathedral Precinct.
Direct physical impact upon day-to-day operations within
the Cathedral had to be minimised, and so the new
extension spans over, and into, the original Spencedesigned, stone-clad buildings.
Architects A&RMÉ Ltd, led by Cathedral Architect
Kelley Christ, worked closely with the Cathedral’s Making
Space for Hope Project Board and statutory consultees
to deliver the programme of work within very tight
timescales. The priority was to ensure the CoC2021
investment also helped secure a significant and sustainable longer-term benefit to the Cathedral.
To unlock the longer-term potential of the masterplan,
some demolitions were required:
1) the low-quality 1980’s extension which housed
the Song School was demolished to reinstate the original
South Terrace and its connection with the former restaurant space (now Education Room). The Song School was
relocated into the Undercroft of the New Cathedral;
Below, South elevation of the new extension, completed for City of Culture 2021-22
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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