Cathedral transformation recognised in civic trust awards

By Tim Aldred

19 Apr 2023

Carlisle Cathedral 009

The transformation of the medieval Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral which architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP helped deliver has been highly commended in the 2023 Civic Trust Awards.

The annual award ceremony, now in its 64th year, was established to celebrate outstanding architecture, planning and design.

The winners were announced at a prestigious event in London. Praising the Fratry project, the judges said: “The scheme has been executed with a high level of attention to detail and with a strong singular concept”, demonstrating sustainability and accessibility, and providing a positive civic contribution.

More than 11 years since its conception, work on the Grade I-listed Fratry building was completed in June 2020.

The £3.4m project was funded by a £1.9m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and a major fundraising campaign supported by the Friends of Carlisle Cathedral, grant-making trusts, donations by members of the public and events at the cathedral.

Preston headquartered FWP acted as project manager and quantity surveyor. Partner Kate Shuttleworth is delighted it has been recognised by the award judges. She said: “The development was not without challenges and its success was built on genuine teamwork and collaboration.

“We brought all our project and cost management experience to the project and fostered that team ethic that proved so important in its delivery. All the consultants involved went over and above the call of duty to ensure its success.

“The result is a striking development that has opened up one of the most significant heritage buildings in the city to all and has made the cathedral a popular destination for visitors.

“Completing and successfully delivering this complex project on such a sensitive site gave everyone involved a real sense of achievement. We are very proud to have played our part.”

The aim of the work was to bring the building back to life, making it a cultural hub in the city centre with the addition of the pavilion café, as well as education, exhibition and event spaces in the Fratry Hall and Undercroft.

It has allowed the cathedral to engage with more people in new ways and transform its teaching and learning activities.

The scheme also involved essential conservation work to the building’s roof and stonework. Sandstone was chosen for the pavilion to blend in with the existing stonework. Entry to the Fratry is now through an impressive, lightweight, fully glazed bronze structure.

Feilden Fowles was project architect and Structure Workshop provided the structural engineering expertise.

The Revd Canon Michael Manley, Canon Missioner and Interim Dean at the cathedral, said: “We are delighted to hear the news of this commendation in due recognition of all who supported and effected such an amazing building.

“It has become a worthy partner in the cathedral’s determination to reach out to all, in the 21st century and beyond”.

FWP has built a strong reputation for its expertise on sensitive restoration and regeneration projects. It is part of the team currently delivering the £16m redevelopment of Rochdale’s Grade I-listed town hall – another NLHF-funded programme.

FWP also led the £5m restoration of the historic fish market canopy and the main outdoor market canopy in Preston city centre. The listed structures underwent extensive refurbishment restoring them to their former glory.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Louise Leyland promoted to director role at PWA Planning Louise Leyland And Paul Walton

Louise Leyland promoted to director role at PWA Planning

16 Jul 2025

2

Muller UK and Ireland to invest an extra £45m into Skelmersdale site The Skelmersdale Muller site

Muller UK and Ireland to invest an extra £45m into Skelmersdale site

16 Jul 2025

3

COSMO reveals opening date for Preston’s £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination Suzanne Wink and Kan Koo MBE with Bella And Hola

COSMO reveals opening date for Preston’s £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination

16 Jul 2025

4

Farleys Solicitors celebrates the official opening of East Lancashire office Farleys new office

Farleys Solicitors celebrates the official opening of East Lancashire office

16 Jul 2025

5

Calls to recognise the ‘Now Generation’ – our future leaders Sub36 event

Calls to recognise the ‘Now Generation’ – our future leaders

15 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

BNI presents Lancashire Speed Networking
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

BNI presents Lancashire Speed Networking

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin