New outdoor space opens at Worcester Cathedral

A new outdoor area has opened at Worcester Cathedral following the completion of a landscaping project at its main north entrance in College Yard.

The redeveloped space includes a central footpath linking the city to the Cathedral, alongside new planting and seating areas intended to create a more welcoming and accessible environment.

The Dean of Worcester, The Very Revd Dr Stephen Edwards, said:

"This new outdoor area is a gift to the city – a place of beauty, connection, and calm. We hope it becomes a cherished part of the community’s daily rhythm."

Work on the project began in September 2024 and was carried out in collaboration with archaeologists from Worcestershire Archaeology.

During the course of the project, 60 metres of a Victorian stormwater culvert were repaired, over 7,000 basalt setts were laid, and around 20,000 historic river cobbles were reinstalled.

Nick Coley, managing director of Fitzgerald Contractors, said: “The nature of the site meant the public were able to observe the works as they progressed, which created a real buzz. The feedback on the finished project has been fantastic.”

Archaeological excavations took place over a 100-day period before the landscaping work was completed. The scheme was funded by several charitable foundations and private donors, including the Kildare Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and the Towns Deal Levelling Up Fund.

The Cathedral says the space is open to all, whether visiting for worship, meeting friends, or simply seeking a quiet moment. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.