£8m facility for clergy opened by Archbishop of York

AN £8m for Blackburn Cathedral’s clergy has been opened by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

The Cathedral Court project, designed by architect Purcell, is part of a larger Blackburn Cathedral Quarter regeneration providing a multi-functional hub within the cathedral precinct.

With accommodation for the cathedral’s organ scholars and apartments for clergy, the development establishes a new city centre community and is believed to be the first group of new domestic buildings at any English cathedral for more than 500 years.

The cathedral itself was built in 1826 and was granted cathedral status in 1926, but stands on a foundation that is believed to date back to the year 596.

The Cathedral Court development is the result of 20 years of planning and building, and was made possible through a partnership with the Cathedral Chapter, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

As well as offering residential accommodation, Cathedral Court includes a new glazed promenade to the currently underused cathedral crypt, as well as new conference facilities, library and refectory.

These facilities improve the cathedral’s commercial offer and enhances facilities for a multi-faith centre, reflecting the cathedral’s position as a lynchpin of the local community and the spiritual centre of the town.

Completed in April, a new 60-bed hotel was constructed as part of the wider masterplan, forming a balanced counterpoint to the residential/cultural mix offered by Cathedral Court.

As the only hotel in the town centre, the hotel is well placed to attract significant staying visitor numbers which supports the destination-creating role of the new town centre development.

Canon Andrew Hindley, Canon Sacrist, said: “This building has been delivered by the determination of many, many people.

“It has had a number of false dawns and almost didn’t happen. It has already been and will continue to be life changing and life giving in so many ways to the Cathedral Community, the people of Blackburn and the County and beyond.”

Purcell Partner James Sanderson said: “I am so proud to be a part of what has become the catalyst for regeneration in the heart of Blackburn.

“The Cathedral Quarter Development and new Cathedral Court mark a re-birth to this part of the town centre. It will boost the local economy, enhance leisure and cultural facilities and is already bringing new commercial opportunities to Blackburn.”

Nigel Sharp, operations director at John Turner Construction, which was the main contractor on the project, said: “Delivering this high quality project brought us the opportunity to combine modern building techniques and materials such as glulam timber frames and self-cleaning render with more traditional construction methods using natural and reclaimed materials.”