Cathedral Church of St Anne

St Anne’s is a Grade II* listed Roman Catholic Cathedral in Leeds city centre. Built in 1904, it is a late Victorian gothic building with Art Nouveau and arts and crafts influences, seen particularly on the internal style, stonework and joinery detailing.

As part of our commission as architects to Leeds Cathedral, we were appointed to complete a major project to restore, refurbish and re-order the interior of the cathedral.

A key focus of the project was the repair and restoration of the interiors and we worked alongside a specialist paint restoration expert to reveal, conserve, and design the interior decorative schemes. A separate grant was given for the restoration of the Pugin Reredos in the Lady Chapel which was restored to its full glory.

In reordering the interior, we relocated and created a Sanctuary at the heart of the cathedral, with a new altar at its centre, visible by as many worshippers as possible. The new Ambo and Cathedra are located close by and together clearly form the liturgical group.

Principal detailing adopted by Eastwood elsewhere in the building is referenced in a contemporary manner with each of the new elements designed using a simple vocabulary of stone and oak.

The new lighting system coupled with the cleaned stonework, redecorated walls and ceilings has created a brighter, more welcoming interior.