Cathedral staff are now working from a new office, located within the south-east corner of the building.

Open-plan desk space has been created within the former Vestry, allowing the team to work more collaboratively together. The renovation will also help manage rising operating costs as we continue to strive towards ambitious net-zero targets by 2030. The project marks a significant £165,000 investment in future-proofing our building.

Midland Conservation Ltd undertook the work, between June 2022 and February 2023. The company are specialists in renovating heritage and listed buildings – which has enabled the project to bring together modern-day requirements with the history of our 300 year-old church.

The airy and modern space replaces three smaller rooms. Extensive rewiring has also been completed, along with the installation of an air-source heat pump to improve temperature control. In Spring 2023, secondary internal glazing will further improve insulation of the office.

Anna Pitt, CEO at Birmingham Cathedral, said: “Our central location allows us to work as part of a vibrant and bustling community in the city centre. For our team to be able to work within the building, alongside out visitors, and together in one space, will make a real impact on what we can offer. Over 50 Clergy, staff and volunteers are part of our cathedral community – and this new space bring these people together – both today and for years to come.”

The Dean of Birmingham, The Very Reverend Matt Thompson, blessed the office on 6 March 2023. During a short ceremony, staff gathered to dedicate the space to serving all those in the city.

The completion of the project comes just in time for the next phase of our major conservation project – Divine Beauty – which is due to begin this summer. Divine Beauty will see the cleaning and repairing of Birmingham Cathedral’s four world-famous stained-glass windows. Birmingham-born artist Edward Burne-Jones designed the windows nearly 150 years ago. His good friend William Morris manufactured the windows, which can be seen at the east and west ends of the cathedral. Initial investigation into their condition found extensive damage to the glazing, leadwork and paintwork. The contractor for this next phase of work will be announced shortly.