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…

Stone masonry repairs to the Chapel of Nine Altars
Lighting improvements in the Cathedral church
Structural assessment and repairs to Prebends Bridge
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 means-tested bursary programme for Choristers
Developing our Music Outreach Programme
A new grand piano for the Cathedral church

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
A temporary exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels
Extending our Education Programme for schools, families and adult learners
Installing conservation controls in the Refectory 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:

Developing our community partnerships
Establishing an Outreach Development Group to identify where the Cathedral can support local and regional needs
Support a new Development Officer post within the Diocese to advise and support local churches and congregations

Supporters of the Development Programme include:

Members of the Patron Scheme and other individual donors
Alan Evans Memorial Trust
AllChurches Trust
Arthur Souster Charitable Trust
The Banks Group
The Barbour Trust
Blue River
Brewin Dolphin
Chester-le-Track
The Chorister Schools Association
David Boardman Trust
Durham Cathedral Choir Association
Durham County Council
Durham Markets
Durham Times
English Heritage
Enlighten Design
The Friends of Durham Cathedral
The Garfield Weston Foundation
The Glaziers' Trust
The Headley Trust
Hargreaves Services
Heritage Lottery Fund
Lord Barnby's Foundation
Northumbrian Water
Oldfields Noted Eating Houses
The Ouseley Trust
Profound Services
The Reedham Trust
The Schroder Charity Trust
Sir James Knott Trust
Swinburne Maddison Solicitors
The Vardy Group
The Wolfson Foundation
The Worshipful Company of Masons

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).