Lincoln Cathedral Connected Project | Award-Winning Visitor Experience

Client:

Lincoln Cathedral

Sector:

Faith, Heritage

Project Value:
£8 million

Duration:
18 months

Project Overview

The Lincoln Cathedral Connected project has radically improved the Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience – offering more engaging and dynamic spaces for a wider number of visitors to enjoy, including education rooms and a discovery zone, a café, gallery, visitor centre and retail area.

“The completion of the capital works was a real moment of celebration. Not only was the project successfully delivered on time and in budget during a pandemic, but the quality of the build speaks for itself. The Cathedral could not be more delighted with the finished result”

Programme Manager, Lincoln Cathedral

Scope of Works

The new visitor centre is located on the site most recently occupied by the Lincoln Minster Preparatory School which was accommodated in the former Deanery building. A substantial new L-shaped wing has been built in the former playground to the south of the main building. This fronts on to the re-landscaped Dean’s Green and a newly-created courtyard by wrapping on to the north wall of the Cloisters. This new building accommodates a welcome foyer and retail space together with a large exhibition and gallery space, interpretation facilities and provides an important pedestrian link with the Cathedral itself.

The existing Grade II listed building has been sensitively restored and adapted to accommodate the café, education centre, offices and community spaces. The four principal rooms of the ground floor house the café seating up to 130 patrons, with doors opening out onto the newly created Dean’s Green to the west and into the new courtyard to the south.
The education centre has been created by remodelling the former stable block, latterly the school’s dining hall, on the eastern flank of the site. The upper floors have been converted to provide two large community rooms and a rehearsal room for the Cathedral choir, with the smaller rooms being used as administrative offices. The new exhibition space has been built against the north wall of the Cloisters. The space has been designed as a blank canvas, with no columns or dividing walls, thus allowing for maximum flexibility for exhibitions both now and in the future
In addition, restoration works were carried out to the nearby 14^th century Exchequergate Arch. The sensitive cleaning has removed a corrosive crust of pollutants, to secure the long-term future of the stonework.

Challenges & Our Approach

Construction within a busy historic city centre

The adjacent Cathedral was open for worship and visitors throughout the projects development. The logistical operations around the Cathedral direct and indirect were without question key to the daily workings of the estate.

In view of the site constraints, William Birch developed a strategy for managing the road and footpaths works in phases which allowed the ‘business as usual’ approach to the Cathedral and popular city centre. The key to the operation was coordination and communication, prior during and on completion of the works.

We held workshops to inform the local residents of our intentions and the benefits of the end scheme, prior to any works being undertaken. Segregation was also a key feature with relevant and constantly monitored signage.

Awards

RIBA East Midlands Conservation Award
RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year

Outcome

The visitor centre successfully transforms the former school site into a welcoming, flexible destination that connects Dean’s Green, the Cloisters, and the Cathedral. Sensitive restoration of the Grade II listed Deanery and careful integration of the new wing have preserved historic character while providing a café, education, community, and exhibition spaces that are adaptable for future use.
The project has enhanced visitor experience, supported community engagement, and safeguarded key heritage assets, including Exchequergate Arch, delivering a high-quality facility that balances modern functionality with long-term cultural and educational benefits.