Common Ground in Sacred Space

Tender description

Newcastle Cathedral is Grade I listed and dates back to the early 12th Century. Over its 900 years it has been at the centre of the civic life of the city as evidenced by the memorials and tombs which fill it and together reveal much of the heritage story of Newcastle and the wider region. Our Vision is to bring 900 years of history into the 21st century by reviving the medieval role of our unique building as a distinct space for worship, civic events and activities. The transformed Cathedral will be a dynamic hub engaged with the community and business as well as a special place of prayer and spiritual discovery. In order to achieve this vision, we have developed the Common Ground in Sacred Space (CGISS) project and propose to make this vision a reality through focusing on the redevelopment of both the internal and external cathedral spaces and revitalising our staff and volunteer team to create broader and deeper engagement with audiences/communities (both current and potential). The overarching aims for this project are: • The opening up of the nave to create a stunning open and flexible space for modern worship and community events amid a historic backdrop • The preservation (by relocation within the Cathedral), interpretation and display of the unparalleled collection of historic ledger stones in order to reveal their stories • To provide a radical welcome to an increased number of visitors and communities through an enhanced and empowered volunteer programme, and the creation of new visitor facilities in the Cathedral Hall complex • To reveal the history of the Cathedral and its role in the City through the centuries via new, engaging interpretation and activities • A complete refresh of the churchyards to create engaging spaces for relaxation, performance and activities • Provision of a programme of activities and events which will involve all ages in journeys of learning and discovery • To stabilise and enhance the Cathedral's fabric through the replacement of the current ineffective and obsolete heating system in the nave and the relaying of the floor in that area • To develop partnerships to drive up awareness of, and engagement with, the heritage of the City of Newcastle and its wider environs, not least linked to the stories contained within the Cathedral itself • To develop a sustainable business plan for the operation of the Cathedral, based on an organisational step change to focus on resilience and management of risk