Phase 2 of the Cathedral Restoration is now well under way having commenced in January 2010 and work is progressing according to plan.

The exterior of the Cathedral is now shrouded in scaffolding and all but the South Aisle of the interior is sealed off.  The major part of the restoration is to the interior and exterior stonework along with the final stage of new heating and new technology LED lighting.  The work will also include restoration of the bell tower and stained glass windows.

The proposed re-opening of the main body of the church is 23 August 2010 and completion of the entire project is January 2011.  Despite the major works, the Cathedral is still open for all services and visitors. 

The Cathedral will be more restricted for visitors in July/August but we will be offering a visual Georgian Life Experience in the drawing room of 1 St Columb's Court, adjacent to the Cathedral when there will be the opportunity to have tea with Dean Hume's wife.  Dean John Hume was the incumbent from 1783.

Phase 1 was completed in May 2008 at a total cost of £746000 (incl VAT) of which there is a shortfall of £250K and with a minimum shortfall of £100K from Phase 2, the Cathedral will still have to find partnership funding possibly in excess of £350K.  This will require continued support not only from the congregation but other possible funders and this search will continue.

25 April 2010

All donations will be very gratefully received and these can be made through:
Very Rev. William W Morton
Dean of Derry & Rector of Templemore
The Deanery
30 Bishop Street
Londonderry
BT48 6PP

Cheques should be made payable to 'St Columb's Cathedral Restoration Fund'