Newcastle Cathedral: Common Ground in Sacred Space
by Purcell Architecture Limited (Purcell)
Client Newcastle Cathedral
Award RIBA North East Award 2023
Architects Purcell’s challenge was to meet the ambition of the client to recast the relationship between the city and this sacred Grade I listed building. The project set out to define interventions that would help to create a sense of openness and welcome, and to display the layers of history that are set into the cathedral’s fabric.
In addition, it aimed to support the wide range of events that Newcastle Cathedral would be able to host. The building’s pre-existing spatial arrangement caused accessibility issues and high heating costs, which required urgent attention. Addressing each of these challenges demanded a sensitive integration and recognition of past interventions.
Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.
Contractor Historic Property Restoration Ltd
Environmental / M&E Engineer TGA Consultants
Project Management The Dean and Chapter of Newcastle Cathedral
Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant RNJ Partnership LLP
Structural Engineer Harley Haddow
Landscape Architect Harrison Stevens
Fire Engineer Graham Shiel
Access Consultant Access & Inclusion By Design Ltd
Interpretation Designer CORE
Wayfinding Designer Infinite Design Consultants
Retail Unit Designer CRE8 ltd
AV Designer Clockwork AV
Cathedral Archaeologist New Visions Heritage Ltd
Consultant Conservator Carthy Conservation Ltd
Conservator Skillington Workshop Ltd
Gross internal area in m2 2731.7