Development

“Our Development Programme captures what we believe will be central to our mission as this new century unfolds and will help us to ensure that we can broaden the scope of our ministry to people far and near. — The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham

With your support, the Development Programme aims to strengthen the connections Durham Cathedral makes between people and place. Our plans for the next five years include a diverse range of projects under the following headings:

Durham Cathedral and its environs are of international cultural and historical value, recognized by their inscription as a World Heritage Site. We intend to conserve and develop the Cathedral’s unique and inspiring fabric, and the surrounding natural environment, so that it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Projects include…

Repairs to Priors Hall roof
Conservation of stained glass in the Galilee Chapel
Stone masonry and Joinery apprenticeships
Conservation of the historic Durham woodland and riverbanks

Worship and music sit at the very heart of the Cathedral and provide the daily rhythm for life within it. Our aim is to continue developing the programme of services and liturgical events, and to support the development of musicians including providing more opportunities for young people to experience, take part in, and enjoy music.

Projects include…

New seating for the Nave
A second top line for the Choir (girl choristers)
Extending our music outreach programme
Developing a new performing arts space

Every inch of the Cathedral, and the collections contained within it, tells a story and can help us to discover and enjoy our heritage. We wish to extend our welcome to visitors and enhance the experience of everyone that comes here through the development of our collections, interpretation facilities, and arts and education programmes.

Projects include…

Major development of the Cathedral’s collections and visitor attractions
Extending our Education Programme
Installing conservation controls in the Library

Throughout its history, the Cathedral has been a focal point for the communities it serves. Our aim is to develop, through partnerships with other organisations, our work with communities where we’re able to make a positive difference to people’s lives. This is currently a single project which will focus on:

Supporting and developing community partnerships
Assigning a project worker to identify outreach opportunities
Resourcing a full-time outreach post within the Diocese of Durham
Developing a community resources centre

Supporters of the Development Programme include:

Members of the Patron Scheme and other individual donors
Hargreaves Services
Northumbrian Water
Chester-le-Track
Oldfields Noted Eating Houses
Swinburne Maddison Solicitors
Profound Services
The Glaziers' Trust
The Sir James Knott Trust
The Chorister Schools Association
Lord Barnby's Foundation
Alan Evans Memorial Trust
The Worshipful Company of Masons
Heritage Lottery Fund (Project Planning Grant)
The Wolfson Foundation
English Heritage
The Friends of Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral Choir Association

Further Information

To support the Development Programme, find out how to become a Patron or become a Corporate Partner.

You can read more about our plans by downloading the Durham Cathedral Development Plan 2008-2013 (672Kb).