Worcester Cathedral is delighted to announce the opening of a beautifully revitalised outdoor area in College Yard, the main north entrance to the Cathedral.
The new space features a central footpath that strengthens the connection between the city and the Cathedral, inviting both worshippers and visitors to pause, reflect, and enjoy the serene surroundings approaching this place of prayer, learning and welcome.
The newly landscaped area includes a central footpath linking the city and Cathedral, enhanced aesthetics with greenery and thoughtful design and a welcoming meeting point for the community.
The project is part of the Cathedral’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive, accessible, and welcoming spaces for all. Whether visitors are heading into the Cathedral, meeting a friend, or simply enjoying a moment of peace, the new College Yard space is open to everyone.
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."
The Cathedral invites everyone to visit and experience the new space, which is now open to the public.
Work started on site in September 2024, and Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd have been working alongside a team of archaeologists from Worcestershire Archaeology and the Cathedral team on the project.
Nick Coley, Managing Director of Fitzgerald Contractors, said: “The delivery of the works presented many challenges, not least of which was the extensive archaeology on the site. Working closely with the Cathedral team over 100 days of archaeological excavation took place without adversely impacting on the programme.
“Over the course of the project 60 linear metres of Victorian brick stormwater culvert have been repaired and lined, 7,200 basalt setts have been installed and around 20,000 historic river cobbles reinstalled.
“The nature of the site means the public have been able to view the works as they have progressed, which created a real buzz of anticipation and the feedback we’ve received on the finished project has been fantastic. We’re proud to have delivered such a high-quality scheme in such an historic location.”
This project has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Kildare Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, The Dulverton Trust, Garfield Weston and the Towns Deal Levelling up Fund, as well as a number of anonymous donors.