RESTORATION

A major programme of restoration and repair was completed in 2011.

Cathedral Architect

The Cathedrals Measure 1990 requires each Cathedral Chapter to appoint a Consultant Architect to advise it on the care and repair of the Cathedral Building Fabric.  The Consultant Architect is expected to have considerable experience in this field of work and a track record of undertaking repairs and conservation to the highest standard.

Chris Romain has been the Cathedral Architect at Worcester since 1996 and is fully involved with the Cathedral spending one or two days a week on site and working very closely with the Chapter, the Cathedral Steward and both the Service and Works Departments of the Cathedral.

Every 5 years the Cathedral Architect carries out a thorough inspection of the building and prepares a Schedule of Priorities and budgetary costs to assist the Chapter to plan its maintenance and repair programme.  The Inspection includes: roofs; roof voids; external walls; rainwater goods; windows; ceilings; walls; floors; fixtures and fittings and monuments.

The Architect also advises Chapter on development including Visitors Facilities and Toilets; Disabled Access; work in connection with Organ and Health & Safety matters.

The Cathedral's Works Department consists mainly of Stonemasons and the Department is continually engaged on the restoration work as well as other projects.  The Works Department operates under the direction of the Architect.    Skills, which are not possessed by the Works Department, for example plumbing and slating, are contracted externally by means of competitive tender.