Abbey Development Project

Recent excavations have revealed that all the layers of the city's life are reflected in the Abbey’s building: Roman, Saxon, Norman, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, early 20th century. Now, true to the Abbey’s commitment to foster faith relevant to every generation, the responsibility has fallen to us to ensure it remains fit for purpose for the rest of the century and beyond.

The Development Project represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to enable the Abbey to fulfil its commitment to serve both city and nation through the 21st century and maintain its position as an icon of Christianity in the heart of our World Heritage city. We will delivering this with a blend of consultation, conservation and design.

While the Abbey may superficially appear changeless, it has always adapted to the times, provoked by its unique responsibility to the city. An obvious example comes from the Victorian period. At that time, the congregation required better visibility, some heat in the winter, artificial light to read the orders of service, and seating for all – not just the few. The solutions were radical, but appropriate: pews, chandeliers, central heating from cast-iron gratings and the open view down the nave.

Today the Abbey serves a large and diverse community and once, again contemporary demands oblige us to find equally appropriate solutions.

If you would like to discuss the Campaign, or make a contribution towards our work, please contact Charles Curnock.