Repair, Refurbishment & Renewal
On September 12th 2022, work officially began on the restoration of our cathedral to return its original glory and splendour.
After over 175 years, our cathedral was in need of major repair work and refurbishment. During its history, some aspects of the original style and sacred ambience of the building were lost and the finish no longer did justice to its dual role at the heart of diocesan life.
On this restoration journey, we worked with Purcell Architects – specialists in heritage consultancy, master-planning and the conservation and reimagining of heritage buildings, including places of worship. The works have been carried out by Simpsons of York, contractors with a wealth of experience in completing heritage building projects.
We have also been lucky enough to use contractors and craftsmen who are specialists in their field bringing a mix of modern technology and ancient crafts to complete the 3 year transformation.
What the Project Has Achieved
The restoration has delivered three core outcomes:
Repair
The Cathedral’s structure has been stabilised and secured, ensuring it is safe, watertight, and protected for the future
Conserve
Historic features and original design elements have been carefully restored, respecting the Cathedral’s Gothic Revival heritage and bringing back elements that had been lost over time.
Sustain
Major improvements have been made to sustainability, helping reduce energy use and future-proof the building.
The Work Undertaken
This project combined large-scale structural repairs with careful heritage conservation and sensitive liturgical renewal.
Major Structural Repairs
Extensive work was undertaken to stabilise and protect the building:
• Complete roof repair, including new coverings, flashings, ridge tiles, and drainage systems
• Installation of full roof insulation to improve thermal performance
• Repair of failing masonry across the building, including detailed stonework such as gargoyles and decorative features
• Major restoration of the spire, including structural repairs and new pinnacles
These works have ensured the Cathedral is once again watertight, structurally sound, and protected for the long term.
Conservation and Heritage Restoration
Alongside repairs, specialist teams restored the Cathedral’s historic character:
• Cleaning and conservation of internal stonework and surfaces
• Replastering and redecoration throughout the interior, inspired by original Victorian schemes
• Restoration of all stained glass windows, with the addition of secondary glazing to protect them
• Careful restoration of statues and decorative elements to their original appearance
This work has brought back much of the Cathedral’s original beauty while respecting its Grade II listed status and Gothic Revival design.
Liturgical Renewal and Reordering
The project also reshaped the Cathedral’s internal layout to better support worship:
• Repositioning of the altar to reflect the original Latin cross design and strengthen the relationship between sanctuary and congregation
• Reinstatement of chapel features, including screens within the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
• Creation of a new Chapel of Initiation, including a font for baptisms
• Reintroduction of significant devotional features, including the reinstatement of the rood cross set above the entrance to the chancel
These changes restore the Cathedral’s liturgical coherence and enhance the experience of prayer and worship.
New Facilities and Visitor Spaces
To better serve the community and visitors, several new spaces have been created:
• A new glass entrance opening onto Chapel Street, offering a place of pause and reflection in the city
• Improved seating layout and increased capacity to support large diocesan gatherings
• New visitor facilities, including a bookshop and family space
• Creation of a dedicated treasury to house the Cathedral’s historic relic collection
Sustainability Improvements
The restoration has significantly improved the Cathedral’s environmental performance:
• Insulated floor slab and installation of underfloor heating linked to a ground source heat pump
• Secondary glazing to improve energy efficiency while protecting historic glass
Further sustainability work will continue as part of a long-term commitment to caring for the building and creation.
The Treasury and the Salford Collection
A newly created treasury that will open in Autumn 2026 will house part of the Cathedral’s historic relic collection. We believe to be one of the largest in the UK. Donated in the 19th century, these relics form an important part of the Cathedral’s spiritual and historic heritage.
Displayed on a rotating basis, they offer visitors opportunities for reflection, pilgrimage, and prayer.
More to come on this as we move into the autumn!
This restoration has been one of the Diocese’s largest undertakings, made possible through the expertise of specialist partners, and the patience and faith of the Cathedral community.
A New Chapter Begins
With the Cathedral now reopened, it once again takes its place as the Mother Church of the Diocese renewed in purpose, restored in beauty, and ready to serve.
This is not simply the completion of a building project. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Salford Cathedral: a place of worship, encounter, and mission for generations to come.
For more details on our journey, take a look at our phases videos and our YouTube playlist here.