In the last few days Leicester Cathedral has taken two big strides towards delivering its visionary renewal and new build project, Leicester Cathedral Revealed.
Last week a formal application was lodged with the Heritage Lottery Fund for its full grant towards the £11.3m project cost. The money will fund the restoration of the cathedral building together with the creation of a new Heritage Learning Centre, boldly conceived in stone, terracotta and glass, to be built in Cathedral Gardens.
And this week, a planning application for the project was submitted to Leicester City Council and also to the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England.
The Dean of Leicester, the Very Revd David Monteith said: “This project will transform what we will be able to do. The restoration of the building will enhance the spiritual and cultural experience of being in the Cathedral. The Heritage Learning Centre will allow us to protect the historic setting of the Cathedral, while engaging with many more communities through exciting interpretation and learning facilities. It will also help us cater for the increasing numbers of visitors the City has welcomed since the reinterment of King Richard III.”
The decisions on both submissions are expected by spring 2019. If approved, fundraising will continue throughout 2019 and it is expected the contractors will be on site before the end of next year. The Heritage Learning Centre is scheduled for completion by mid-2021 and the restoration of the Cathedral in 2022.