Ripon Cathedral has taken the first step towards seeking approval for a £6 million extension of the ancient building.
If successful, plans which will be submitted to Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) following public consultation, would see the first major extension in hundreds of years, for a building containing the oldest built fabric of any English cathedral – St Wilfrid’s crypt – dating back to 672 AD.
The church attracts visitors and pilgrims from around the world and in autumn 2019, launched the Ripon Cathedral Renewed project.
Key elements of the plan are the provision of toilets. which will include Ripon’s only adult changing room; a cafe and creation of rehearsal space for Ripon Cathedral Choir, which currently rehearses in a former burial vault.
With the provision of new storage space, it is also intended that large areas within the cathedral will be opened up to the public for the first time in centuries.
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An initial approach has been made to the council and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, told The Stray Ferret:
“We are at an early stage of our formal engagement with HBC as we look to develop our plans and work out what would be needed for a planning application.”
He added:
“There will be a presentation of plans in the cathedral from mid-August – showing people where our thinking has got to and asking for their comments.”
The plans are part of the cathedral’s strategic vision Growing God’s Kingdom which aims to see the cathedral as a force for good, serving both the church and wider community – locally, regionally and nationally.
When the Ripon Cathedral Renewed project was launched, Dean John (pictured above), said:
“It is clear that the development of the cathedral is vital to bring this national treasure into the 21st century.
“As custodians of this fantastic building we are only too aware of the legacy we uphold. We have this ancient history, this wonderful architecture – what we haven’t got are the facilities that people need.
“Each generation has, over 13 centuries, taken on what has been handed to it and made its own contributions. We take none of this for granted and we have a responsibility, in our generation, to make our contribution now.”
He added:
“Over the last few years it has become increasingly obvious to a growing number of people that the development of Ripon Cathedral is vital as we seek to serve the communities of the region now and in the future.”
