July 6, 2020 4.52 pm This story is over 43 months old

Lincoln Cathedral’s new visitor centre construction works completed

Getting ready for unveiling next year

By Local Democracy Reporter

Work to build Lincoln Cathedral’s new visitor centre is now complete, with the internal fit-out expected to be ready in spring 2021.

The construction phase has seen the major refurbishment and extension of the Old Deanery – on the north side of the Cathedral – to create a new visitor centre.

The new facilities include a reception area, shop, café with inside and outside seating, toilets including a changing places room, community rooms, exhibition and learning spaces.

There has also been conservation work around the building, mainly at the main west entrance of the cathedral.

The Dean’s Green has also been landscaped to create a peaceful outdoor space, and for the first time in decades, will be open to the public.

Internal fit-out next up for the visitor centre. Photo: Lincoln Cathedral

The new spaces and renovation is expected to bring in an extra 125,000 visitors to Lincoln Cathedral each year.

Since ground was broken back in October 2018 by building contractor William Birch & Sons, the cathedral and the surrounding close have seen considerable conservation and renovation works taking place.

This is part of the £16.5m Lincoln Cathedral Connected project, of which £12.4m is funded by The National Lottery,

Left to Right: Chris Birch, Stuart Peace, Gemma Shahjahan (William Birch & Sons), The Revd Canon John Patrick Subdean of Lincoln (Lincoln Cathedral), Nick Cragg (Cragg Management), Anne Irving, The Dean of Lincoln Christine Wilson (Lincoln Cathedral). Photo: Lincoln Cathedral

Dr. Anne Irving, Lincoln Cathedral Connected programme manager, said: “Connected is a significant and important milestone in the cathedral’s history and it’s wonderful to have reached the end of the construction works.

“The greatest compliment I’ve heard about the new centre and associated green is that it looks like it has always been there. The architects and designers have done a fantastic job of creating something that blends with the architecture and character of the Cathedral and the Close. The sympathetic use of materials and the quality of the workmanship speak for themselves.”