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

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
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
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

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 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

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

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

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 Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin