Newcastle and Birmingham cathedrals have secured grants for essential repairs in the first round of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.
Newcastle Cathedral will receive £305,463 for urgent roof and floor repairs and improvements to visitor access.
Birmingham Cathedral was awarded £377,185 towards work to halt deterioration of its tower and dome.
At Newcastle, the funding will also pay for improved accessible toilets and a replacement lift, making the cathedral more accessible to people attending services and events or visiting the building.
The Newcastle award will also support an access audit, security measures and feasibility studies for future repairs and potential renewable energy measures.
The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, said:
“Keeping the Cathedral in good repair is a constant responsibility and constant challenge. As a charity, we are solely responsible for maintaining this beautiful place of worship for generations to come. This grant will help us carry out essential roof and floor repairs, improve access and upgrade the facilities for our wide range of visitors.
“It will help ensure we continue to be a beacon of light for our region through the many activities we offer our communities from this building.
“These practical improvements will make a real difference to everyone who comes through our doors, whether for worship, an event or a visit. We are grateful to the UK Government and Historic England for helping us protect the Cathedral’s heritage and make it more welcoming and accessible to all.”
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions, Historic England, said:
“Places of worship are an important part of the heritage, character and identity of communities across England. They are not only remarkable historic buildings, but places that continue to bring people together, support community life and help showcase what makes their local places distinctive.
“This funding creates an opportunity to invest in these buildings for the long term – addressing urgent repair needs while supporting new life into places that remain active and valued by their communities. We are pleased to support places of worship across the country and help ensure these important places can continue to contribute to vibrant, distinctive communities for generations to come.”
Across the first round, 37 Church of England churches, including the two cathedrals, received awards totalling £13.3 million. Grants ranged from nearly £25,000 to more than £900,000.
Administered by Historic England, the fund was launched in May following the closure of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. It supports repairs and essential improvements at historic places of worship across England, including electrical upgrades, heating, toilets and step-free access.
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