Cathedral project wins £1m grant

The Narthex as it would be seen from the cathedral garden

Improvements to a cathedral's visitor and educational facilities have taken a step forward with the award of nearly £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich aims to spend £2.7m on a new venue for arts and music events.

The new building known as The Narthex will also bring more school visits.

The Dean, Fr James Walsh, said: "The grant is a milestone on our journey to make St John's a player in the big league of iconic buildings in Norwich."

The cathedral plays host to thousands of visitors from all over the world every year and is a regular place to visit on Norwich's tourist route.

More funds needed

Fr Walsh said: "The city's second cathedral has much to offer people of all faiths and none, and every walk of life.

"Although primarily a place of prayer and home to a large and flourishing community, the new centre will provide facilities for new educational and cultural activities that will enrich the life of the city and the region.

"It will also help us to welcome the region's new migrant workers, many of whom look to St John's as a 'home from home'.

"The Heritage Lottery grant gives greater credibility to our plans and will help us to unlock further funding, both from other bodies and individuals."

With over a third of the budget cost already raised to turn the project into reality, the new grant will allow the drive to find a further £800,000 to be stepped up, he added.