Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral

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HeritageDurham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

An initial appointment to prepare a budget estimate for a World Heritage Feasibility Study led to Thornton-Firkin being appointed by the Chapter as Cost Consultants on their redevelopment Masterplan. A costed Masterplan was developed for the entire site which comprised of a new choir school, alteration to entrance, new exhibition space, new catering facilities, visitors experience centre and a new retail opportunity.

As Phase 1 of this Masterplan titled ‘Open Treasures’ a Cost Plan was prepared detailing the creation of exhibition space in the Monks Dormitory (currently a private library) and ‘Great Kitchen’ (previously the book shop) and relocation the bookshop into the existing limited exhibition space and Vestry with a new Vestry facility being provided elsewhere.

Phase 1A with a construction value of £1,400,000 to create a new Vestry and retail facility has been completed and Phase 1B to create Exhibition space is currently in pre-contract design stage with a view to progress to tender upon confirmation of HLF grant and CFCE approvals.

This involves sensitive, considerate and careful alteration to Medieval structures to create access and a circulation route as well as a higher standard environmental controlled exhibition area within a restricted fabric.  This facility on completion will enable the space to house renowned exhibits and collections and provide a further revenue stream to the Cathedral to assist the on-going maintenance of the Cathedral fabric.