A Glory Renewed and Restored

In July, Salford Cathedral will reopen its doors following a three-year programme of restoration, renewal and refurbishment that has transformed the cathedral.

Our Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist will welcome worshippers and visitors back from Saturday 4 July, when a weekend of celebrations begins to mark the completion of this significant project.

Having served as the spiritual heart of the diocese for more than 175 years, the cathedral required extensive restoration to address longstanding repairs to its stonework and infrastructure while ensuring it could continue to meet the needs of a growing community.

A key element of the project has been the restoration of many of the cathedral’s historic features, including the reinstatement of original decorative schemes and the conservation of stained-glass windows, bringing renewed colour, vibrancy and beauty to this sacred space.

Alongside restoring the cathedral’s heritage, the project has also invested in its future. Improved facilities, increased flexibility, enhanced accessibility and a strong commitment to sustainability will help ensure the cathedral can continue to serve the people of the diocese for generations to come.

While much of the work focused on essential repairs to the fabric of the building, visitors will notice a remarkable transformation throughout the cathedral. Improvements include a new energy-efficient exterior lighting scheme, restored statues, renewed interior decoration, the repositioning of key liturgical features, and a new glass entrance on Chapel Street designed to offer a visible sense of welcome in the heart of the city.

We are grateful to Purcell Architects and Simpsons of York for their expertise throughout the project. Their specialist knowledge of heritage conservation has enabled the careful restoration of the cathedral’s historic character while incorporating modern standards and technology to support its future mission.

Bishop John said: “The restoration of our mother church has been one of the most significant and necessary undertakings of our diocese in recent years. 

“Many parts of the cathedral were in poor condition, no longer watertight and with failing masonry. As custodians of this remarkable building, we have a responsibility to preserve the fabric of the cathedral for future generations in a way that aligns with our diocesan commitment to sustainability whilst providing the ways and means for Catholics to meaningfully observe the traditions of our faith. 

“We hope our newly-restored cathedral will be a place of welcome and community for all across the city, whilst providing a peaceful, ambient, and encouraging sanctuary of prayer for the faithful in our diocese.”

Canon Michael Jones, Dean of Salford Cathedral, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming our parish community and diocesan family back to our beautifully-restored cathedral this summer. 

“Over recent years, we have welcomed ever increasing numbers of parishioners, particularly young people and families, searching for spiritual enrichment and the start of a lifelong relationship with God. 

“This project afforded us the opportunity to not only make vital repairs and restore the sacred ambience of our cathedral church, but it has allowed us to adapt the  cathedral for our growing parish community and to incorporate modern and sustainable features and technologies to provide an inspiring place of worship for generations to come.”

Due to the extent of the repair work required, the project cost in excess of £20 million, with the majority of expenditure dedicated to external repairs. The restoration has been funded through diocesan reserves together with a generous legacy gift from the Albert Gubay Foundation.

We look forward to welcoming everyone very soon!