Cathedral hoping for council cash despite officials’ caution

The cathedral has put in a bid for a £1.6m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out improvement and restoration work, but needs a further £400,000 of match funding for the bid to be successful.

The cathedral has already raised £200,000 from fundraising and donations and now senior councillors are being asked to approve a grant of £200,000.

Wakefield Cathedral dates back to 1150 and is one of the Yorkshire region’s finest churches.

If the bid is successful, the Heritage Lottery funding would support the first phase of renewing and developing the fabric of the historic building, benefiting the city centre as a whole and maintaining it for generations to come, church officials say.

Phase one of “Project 2013” would see the refurbishment of the nave, or main body of the Cathedral, including replacement of the floor, new underfloor heating and lighting.

Proposals also include the construction of an atrium extension that would house an education centre, kitchen and other facilities.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth said: “The cathedral is a vital part of the district’s heritage and a historical and architectural gem right at the heart of the city. It is not only a place of sanctuary and worship but also an important social and cultural centre for the whole community.

“The cathedral has already worked incredibly hard to raise £200,000 of the £400,000 of match funding required for the project but it now needs our support to make these exciting plans a reality.

“The success of this heritage lottery bid would not only secure its future for generations to come but have great benefits for the entire city.”

Reverend Jonathan Greener, Dean of Wakefield said: “Wakefield is going through exciting times, and we are delighted at the cathedral to be part of this renewal with our development plans.

“In 2013, both cathedral and city celebrate our 125th birthday, and by then, the building will be safer, more flexible, and ready to respond to the needs of the whole community.

“It’s marvellous that the council are hoping to support us financially. This gives a real boost to our funds and our confidence.”

A report to the cabinet committee recommends that councillors back the cathedral funding plans.

The report also says: “Wakefield Cathedral is seeking £200,000 from the council to support £200,000 other match funding it has secured to enable it to make a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund of £1.6m for the renewal and development of the cathedral.

“Without the funding it is unlikely that the bid will be successful and the proposed project which will provide regeneration benefits to the city centre will be unlikely to progress.”

The report warns that the reputation of the council itself could be damaged if the cathedral project is not a success as a result of the council failing to support the scheme.

If the council does not agree to the funding, the report adds: “The cathedral will not be able to secure the necessary phase 1a funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and will consequently be unable to deliver its renewal and development scheme.

“This would entail reputational risks for the council in being unable to support such a high profile prestigious project of benefit to the wider community.”

The report does however recognise that the council could come in for criticism for spending the money at a time of tight financial constraints.

The proposals will be discussed by the council’s cabinet committee when it meets next Tuesday at the Town Hall in Wakefield.