Peterborough Cathedral makes bid for nearly quarter of a million pounds funding to fix leaking roof
Peterborough Cathedral has launched a bid for nearly quarter of a million pounds of funding – to try and fix the historic – but leaky roof.
The cathedral has submitted an Expression of Interest to the Places of Worship Renewal Fund, seeking support towards a programme of urgent roof and rainwater repairs estimated at around £230,000.
The proposed works include an internal drainage runway at the west end of the Nave that is increasingly overwhelmed by heavy rainfall and threatens the vaulting above the West Front, a failing lead gutter between the Bell Tower and the Nave roof that has been patched to the limits of its effectiveness, and corroded fixings that have left gaps in the Cathedral's century-old Westmorland slate roof.
Jack Pishhorn, Chief Operating Officer, Peterborough Cathedral said the works were vital, as he welcomed Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes to the building to show him where the repairs needed to be carried out.
He said: "Caring for a building that has stood for nearly a thousand years is a real privilege, but it comes with serious responsibility, and keeping the rain out is one of the most important jobs we have.
"From the rooftops you can see just how much this building gives to the city, and just how much it needs in return.
"The repairs we're planning are urgent, and with heavier rainfall becoming more common, the risks only grow if we don't act.
"The Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a hugely welcome step, and submitting our Expression of Interest is an important first move in securing the Cathedral's future. We were delighted to welcome MP Andrew Pakes up onto the roofs to see the challenges for himself, and we're grateful for his interest and support as we begin this work."
The Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a new £92 million national programme delivered by Historic England and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Running over four years, it helps listed places of worship across England carry out urgent repairs and remain safe, open and in active use.
The Expression of Interest is the first stage of a two-part process. If successful, the Cathedral will be invited to submit a full application for funding