Cambridgeshire cathedral roof ‘deteriorating’ as it needs major repairs

The cathedral roof needs replacement roof tiles amongst the repairs

Funding is being sought for “vital” roof repairs at a Cambridgeshire cathedral to prevent “massive problems in the future”. Peterborough Cathedral has been a centrepiece in the city for over 900 years.

Since the building is so cold, parts of it have started to deteriorate and become affected by the weather. Cathedral staff have identified problems, with water from rain seeping into parts of the roof.

As a result, the cathedral is applying for a fund from Historic England for £230,000. If granted, this will be used to replace roof tiles, replace gutters, and re-lead some parts of the roof.

Jack Pishorn, COO of Peterborough Cathedral, said the roof repairs are “vital”. He added: “We’ve identified a pot of £230,000 from Historic England to do some vital repairs – it’s all very unglamorous stuff.

“It’s to stop water from entering the building and stop things deteriorating.” Jack added that it was “no secret” that the cathedral was running at a deficit, after only last year it launched an appeal to raise £300,000 to keep open seven days a week.

Jack added: “The big focus for my team is to look at how we can generate income and control our expenditure to ensure we can have a sustainable future. But of course, while you’re working in a deficit, you stop spending money on repairs or maintenance.

“That’s something that’s happened over many, many years. So, of course, we have to find that money because the problem is going to get progressively worse year after year.”

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, said that without the repairs being done in a “timely fashion” they will build up to “massive problems”. The Dean added: “This space is for everyone. We want to maintain it as a great asset for the city spiritually and culturally.”

The cathedral has submitted an expression of interest for the Places of Worship Renewal Fund with Historic England. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a new £92 million national programme.

It helps listed places of worship across England to carry out urgent repairs and remain safe and open. It replaces the previous VAT relief scheme with capital grants.