Purcell completes restoration of Salford Cathedral
Purcell has completed a full-scale restoration of the Cathedral Church of St. John The Evangelist, Salford, for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford, one of Greater Manchester’s most significant Grade II* listed buildings.
Designed in collaboration with cathedral architect Chris Cotton, Purcell was appointed in 2019 as delivery and conservation architect for the ‘Restoring the Glory’ project: a comprehensive programme of conservation works aimed at safeguarding the Cathedral’s sacred character and celebrating its Victorian Gothic Revival design, while securing its future for generations to come.
Driven by a Diocesan commitment to achieve net zero by 2038, the Cathedral has undergone carefully specified building fabric improvements to make it more energy efficient. An insulated floor slab and underfloor heating has improved thermal performance, creating a comfortable environment for the congregation. Powered through a renewable energy source, the system works in conjunction with enhanced insulation at roof level. Alongside meticulous efforts to repair the stained-glass windows, environmental protective secondary glazing has been installed to ensure its long-term protection, from external environmental conditions while also significantly reducing energy leakage.
The project combined major conservation works with sustainable improvements and enhanced accessibility. Externally, extensive repairs to the stonework, roof and spire were completed alongside careful cleaning, while internally the cathedral was fully redecorated and reconfigured to better support worship, with new liturgical furniture, lighting and restored historic features.
Sustainability was central to the scheme, with a responsibly sourced timber extension, improved rainwater management and recycling systems, durable Purbeck limestone flooring, and the use of specialist UK craftspeople employing traditional conservation skills.
The cathedral has also been made more accessible and functional through level access, new visitor and community facilities, expanded choir accommodation and increased seating. A new treasury, opening in the autumn, will showcase one of the UK’s largest collections of relics, further enhancing the cathedral’s role as both a place of worship and a visitor destination.
The completion of the project not only secures the future of this significant building but also enhances its role as a place of worship, community gathering and cultural significance within the region. The scheme stands as a strong example of how careful, conservation-led design can successfully balance the protection of historic fabric with the contemporary needs of a landmark that has sat at the heart of community faith for more than 175 years.
– Rt Rev. John Arnold, Bishop of Salford
– Canon Michael Jones, Dean of Salford Cathedral
– Tom Bridgen, Project Lead, Purcell
