Manchester Cathedral

Our design strategy allows for minimal intervention of the existing fabric whilst dramatizing the setting of the Cathedral. It exploits the site’s cross-fall and creates a single storey linear extension with an active roof space that forms an elevated public piazza and seating area.

A longitudinal arm of accommodation is created which may be extended or reduced throughout the design process to suit programme and cost requirements whilst not compromising the design concept.

The terracing and landscaping provides a new improved public amenity both physically and visually; its also provides the Cathedral with a plinth to enhance its setting in keeping with its historic, civic and architectural importance.

The new accommodation opens to face Victoria Street with an elegant glazed façade set back behind an arcade of columns that are set out to the rhythm of the Cathedral’s structural bays above.

Stepped terracing connects the upper ground floor plinth to street level, creating a sense of place and enhancing the connection of the Cathedral to the Cathedral Gardens.