Newcastle Cathedral: Common Ground in Sacred Space

by Purcell Architecture Limited (Purcell)

Client Newcastle Cathedral

Award RIBA North East Award 2023

Newcastle Cathedral Common Ground in Sacred Space715Nick FarkaORIGINAL1jpg — Newcastle Cathedral: Common Ground in Sacred Space © Nick Farka

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