£500,000 grant to Manchester Cathedral

The final phase of a two year grants programme to English cathedrals for urgent repairs has been announced. Grants totalling £5,423,000 have been awarded to 24 Church of England and Catholic cathedrals for repairs including to stained glass windows, stone pinnacles, and roofs as well as drainage and lighting.  Manchester Cathedral has been awarded £500,000 for emergency repair works needed to its tower.

The Dean of Manchester, the Very Reverend Rogers Govender, said: “This is excellent news for us and we are delighted to now be able to progress our much needed repair works, which will ensure that the Cathedral’s tower is preserved for future generations and allow us to continue in our mission across the city.”

Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch said: “The First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund has done fantastic work to help revive and restore stunning cathedrals across the country. 

“Cathedrals are not only beautiful pieces of architecture, they hold centuries of our nation’s history and are centrepieces in our communities. This important fund will help maintain and repair these historic buildings so they can be enjoyed for years to come by everyone.”

The Church of England’s 42 cathedrals are estimated to contribute around £220 million to the national economy every year through employment and tourism. They welcome more than 11 million visitors annually, employ more than 7,000 people and are supported by 15,000 dedicated volunteers.

Dame Fiona Reynolds Chair, Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, said: “These grants have enabled our Cathedrals to take another step forward in the task of ensuring they are in good shape to offer future generations the extraordinary experiences that inspire so many of us today”.