Door opens on £4m cathedral renovation

The Gateway project includes a new entrance and interpretation resources, as well as renewed heating, flooring and seating.

Construction work is due to begin next month, with completion by next Spring, in time for celebrations for the centenary of the Diocese of Sheffield in June 2014.

Lord Mayor of Sheffield Coun John Campbell performed the ceremonial digging, with guests from the city, diocese, and region entertained afterwards with hot chocolate and specially-designed cup cakes featuring “groundbreaking” broken caramel on the top.

The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Steven Croft, said: “It’s very good indeed to witness the beginning of the Gateway project. The cathedral’s vision is to be at the heart of the life of the city and region and to be a place for all people. The Gateway project will provide ways of welcoming many more people into the building and its history, into the story of this city and into Christian faith”

The Very Rev Peter Bradley, Dean of Sheffield, said: “We have been waiting for many, many years for today.

“We are very grateful to all the donors and partners who have made today possible. The Gateway Project will open up the cathedral so that we can welcome the whole community here.”

Services will continue to be held throughout the construction phase.