Project Pilgrim Phase One: The Heart of Gloucester

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1 Project Pilgrim Phase One: The Heart of Gloucester

2 PROJECT PILGRIM Project Pilgrim at Gloucester Cathedral is an ambitious ten-year programme of activity and capital development that supports the 21 st Century mission to be In tune with heaven, in touch with daily life. It aims to bring the Cathedral s heritage and religious purpose to life so that all people, whatever their age, background or faith, are provided with engaging opportunities to learn about and respond to it in ways which are personal to them. WHY? The magnificent Cathedral at Gloucester stands on a site of Christian worship that stretches back fifteen hundred years. Its heritage and historic importance in the story of England is unquestionable; but this story could be told and celebrated better and the lessons from the stories revealed, to inform the present and future. It is a truly inspiring building and the most loved of all in the city. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people of faith, and of no faith, visit to enjoy its splendour, history, events and quietness. For some it s a place of worship, for others it s a source of local pride; many others visit just to experience tranquility and a sense of place. Here, the spiritual and secular worlds join to share a common purpose in line with the Cathedral s mission - In tune with heaven, in touch with daily life. It is a place where interesting conversations take place on the role of cathedrals, heritage and the arts in the 21 st century; it is committed to sustainability and seeks to lessen its environmental impact, whilst increasing its contribution to wellbeing, both spiritual and social. Project Pilgrim at Gloucester Cathedral has the capacity to act as the tipping point in the heritagebased regeneration of the city. Improvements to the fabric, setting and interpretation will provide a focal and rallying point for the whole city. Paul James, Leader of Gloucester City Council The Cathedral is open to anyone and has made great progress in reaching out, breaking down barriers and being welcoming. It has innovated; linking the spiritual with the arts through the amazingly successful Crucible contemporary sculpture exhibitions and celebrated music programmes. In a world where cathedrals are increasingly asking the public to pay for admission, the Gloucester response is to hold firm to no charge. Nevertheless, there are many who, although aware of the Cathedral, have yet to experience its wonders and power; there is a pressing need to reach out, to connect and engage with the communities of Gloucester, the county and beyond. Gloucester is a city with a proud history and heritage that reaches back to the Roman period. It is a city with a mixed and complex identity and with a diverse population, but it has also suffered from periods of inappropriate and unsympathetic development. In recent years investment to encourage regeneration has focussed upon sites of heritage importance, such as Gloucester Docks. Gradually, the rich and deep heritage of the city is being revealed and connections made between these hubs. Yet, the enormous potential for heritagecentred economic and cultural regeneration has yet to be realized. At the heart of the city s heritage is the Cathedral. 2 3

3 The Cathedral and its Precincts Floorplan for the Tribune Gallery interpretation 5

4 NEW CATHEDRAL GREEN A magnificent new green space will create a beautiful setting for the Cathedral A dynamic, multi-functional area for activities, ceremonies and events Herbaceous drift planting at the new Cathedral Green The car park is horrid Gloucester would be hugely improved by a new civic space for outdoor events Spring Summer Autumn Winter 7

5 ENTRY AND WELCOME The new shop in its new location New Welcome Area A new glass entrance will ensure a warm welcome to all It s dark in there, are we allowed in? 9

6 ACCESS FOR ALL Our new lift and ramp structures will ensure that the main body of the Cathedral is fully accessible Existing ramps are not fit for purpose Access for All into the Lady Chapel Better access in and around the Cathedral will open areas up to all 11

7 Interpretation Concept view of the Tribune Gallery interpretation and immersive AV Indicative content for the digital tour Welcome display with 3D glazed model and orientation information Concept design for the first key point of interest hub, this one located in the Nave Concept visual for the Quire time-capsule installation, located under the marker tile Concept visuals for the external welcome installation and origins stone blocks New interpretation will bring the Cathedral s history to life Concept design for the Lady Chapel point of interest hub 13

8 LADY CHAPEL An intimate space for worship or contemplation Project Pilgrim will provide further training opportunities for our stonemasons Restoration work and investigations have already begun Breathing new life into priceless heritage 15

9 SOLAR PV Over 100 solar panels hidden from view on the Nave roof Some of the funders for the Sponsor Our Solar Panel Campaign Nov 2015 A greener Cathedral for Gloucester with a 25% reduction in energy costs Playing our part in a sustainable future with a Cathedral set for the 21st century and beyond 32,000 has already been given in support 17

10 Events and Activities Pottering about the Cathedral Guided tours Craft workshops and family activities Our Activity Plan will give us more opportunities to: engage with new audiences, organise new types of events and activities, build relationships and create new volunteering opportunities More craft skills training and workshops 19

11 Crucible Children in Need 2015 Educational trails, musical performances and volunteering opportunities Yearly graduation ceremonies 21

12 Gloucester Cathedral is a charity by Act of Parliament; HMRC reference no. X9493/1