Exeter Cathedral is delighted to receive initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the first phase of a major project, ‘The 2020s Vision, Investing in our Welcome’. Made possible by National Lottery players the project aims to make the Cathedral more inviting so that some of the untold glories of the building and hidden treasures can be highlighted and explored by visitors for the first time. The Cathedral is the focal point of Exeter City and has many splendours which are unique examples of our heritage – not found anywhere else in the world.
Development funding of £659,000 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the Cathedral to progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £4,290,500 at a later date. The plan will address the failing fabric in the East End and the adjoining Chapter House, interpret these parts of the building afresh, and improve the visitor experience. The new cloister gallery is an opportunity to improve access for all to disparate parts of the building, and enable the treasures to be displayed so new people can discover and enjoy their heritage.
An exciting educational programme is also planned with the Cathedral proposing to trial some new events and activities during the development phase. In addition, the Cathedral hopes to welcome new volunteers to join the 500 people who already generously donate their time and expertise.
Commenting on the award The Dean of Exeter, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener said,
‘We are thrilled to have this support. Exeter Cathedral is in great need of investment to help us welcome and engage with many more people from across Devon. The Cathedral is one of Europe’s great medieval cathedrals; the most significant building in Devon. The development funding will help us to ensure that it is fit for all our purposes in the 21st century.
We long to reach out to new people, especially those who think this cathedral is not for them, and let them experience its mystery, its wellbeing and its beauty’.
This project will enable all, from the casual visitor to the in-depth researcher, to increase the effectiveness and enjoyment of their visit, and will embed new learning opportunities, adding to the cultural heritage of the South West. The project has the potential to add great value to the UNESCO City of Literature.
