St Andrew's Cathedral Glasgow.
St Andrew's Cathedral Clyde Street Glasgow.
Scotland’s most venerable Catholic church is being emptied ahead of the most ambitious renovation in its near 200 year history.
The iconic St Andrew’s Cathedral in Clyde Street has closed its doors to the public to allow workers to strip it bare internally before work begins to restore and recreate the interior of the Grade A listed building.
East End firm Hunter and Clark have been awarded the prestigious contract to renovate the Cathedral and build a feature garden on its eastern flank with work due to continue until October 2010.
The dramatic works will see external changes to the building as the two century old stone and stained glass are repaired. Among the plans are:
New underfloor heating and flooring New lighting and seating Redecoration and gold leaf work Installation of newly commissioned bronze doors and the repair and reinstatement of the pipe organ Installation of a massive canvas by Peter Howson depicting the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie Creation of a garden of remembrance next to the Cathedral.
The work is expected to cost around £4m and will see up to 40 tradesmen on site at any given moment over the coming year.
Archbishop Mario Conti said: “St Andrew’s is the mother church of our Archdiocese. Every Catholic church in the area stems from its foundation almost 200 years ago. It is an integral part of our history and expresses so much of who we are as a Catholic community.
“My ambition is to see the Cathedral as a magnet, drawing people to its threshold and discovering there, by the river of a great city, that spiritual refreshment which is the most satisfying and necessary for our life.”
Archbishop Mario Joseph Conti, standing at the old sanctuary survey's the work so far.
Councillor Steven Purcell leader of Glasgow City Council who have generously supported the project spoke warmly of the council’s desire to see the historic Cathedral become a major visitor attraction. He said: “Glasgow is fortunate to have two wonderful cathedrals and I am delighted to say that the City Council has played a role in the renovation of both. Some years ago the Council supported the upgrading of the area around Glasgow Cathedral and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, and has and will be supporting the renovation of St Andrews Cathedral and the surrounding area. I am sure we all look forward to a fantastic project delivering a beautiful renovation of a building of great cultural and historic significance.”
Managing Director of Hunter and Clark, Richard Bennie said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract for this iconic project, having worked with the Archdiocese for many years on similar projects.
“We are acutely aware of the significance of this building to so many peiople and will work closely with the design team to meet all expectations placed on us. This project is the culmination of five years planning, design and fund-gathering and we are delighted to be part of it.”
Archbishop Conti with Mgr Chris McElroy Administrator of the Cathedral and Richard Bennie Managing Director of Hunter & Clark.
Top city architects Page \ Park will co-ordinate the design scheme and works throughout the project following several years of planning for the project. Founding partner Brian Park said: “This project is the highlight of an excellent working relationship with the Archdiocese over many years dealing with the repair and conservation of listed church buildings in and around the city. The opportunity to work with artists and craftsmen on this most important of buildings is a privilege and we look forward to achieving the restoration of the building fully reflecting its significance and to the glory of God."
The project has already won the enthusiastic endorsement of the Scottish Government. Mike Russell MSP, Minister for Culture, said:
"I am delighted to express the full support of the First Minister, Alex Salmond, and myself as Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, for the work that is due to commence on the restoration of St Andrews Cathedral, Glasgow - the mother church of the Catholic Community in the West of Scotland - and the creation of a cloister garden, bringing a new green space to the heart of the city.”
“We are proud to be partners in this initiative. Through our agency, Historic Scotland, we are providing £500,000 to support this highly valuable and exciting development, as part of our commitment to its success.”
Archbishop Conti at the sanctuary of St Andrew's Cathedral.
All press inquiries to Ronnie Convery, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Glasgow, ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk 0141 226 5898
All photographs by and copyright of Paul Mc Sherry
Photographs available for purchased from, 07770 393960