A landmark North East cathedral has been awarded more than £300,000 to fund urgent repairs and improve accessibility.
Newcastle Cathedral, dedicated to St Nicholas and one of the city's most iconic buildings, has received £305,463 through Historic England’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund.
The grant will support essential roof and floor repairs, accessibility improvements, an access audit, upgraded security, and feasibility studies for future works, including potential renewable energy solutions.
Newcastle Cathedral in the North East has been awarded £305,463 by Historic England for urgent roof and floor repairs, lift replacement and accessibility improvements (Image: Michael Bailey)
The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, said: "Keeping the Cathedral in good repair is a constant responsibility and constant challenge.
"As a charity, we are solely responsible for maintaining this beautiful place of worship for generations to come.
"This grant will help us carry out essential roof and floor repairs, improve access and upgrade the facilities for our wide range of visitors."
The funding will also cover vital upgrades to toilets and the replacement of a lift, making the building more accessible to the public.
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Mr Batson said: "It will help ensure we continue to be a beacon of light for our region through the many activities we offer our communities from this building.
"These practical improvements will make a real difference to everyone who comes through our doors, whether for worship, an event or a visit.
"We are grateful to the UK Government and Historic England for helping us protect the Cathedral’s heritage and make it more welcoming and accessible to all."
Newcastle Cathedral is one of only two places of worship in the North East to receive funding in this round, alongside the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Columba in Wallsend.
Nationally, Birmingham Cathedral is the only other Anglican cathedral to receive a grant.
The cathedral is known for its Lantern Tower, which once guided ships along the River Tyne and remains a defining feature of the city’s skyline.
The tower also lends its name to the cathedral’s Lantern Project, which supports people facing difficult circumstances, including members of the street life community.
Louise Brennan, director of regions at Historic England, said: "Places of worship are an important part of the heritage, character and identity of communities across England.
"They are not only remarkable historic buildings, but places that continue to bring people together, support community life and help showcase what makes their local places distinctive.
"This funding creates an opportunity to invest in these buildings for the long term—addressing urgent repair needs while supporting new life into places that remain active and valued by their communities.
"We are pleased to support places of worship across the country and help ensure these important places can continue to contribute to vibrant, distinctive communities for generations to come."
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The funding is part of a national programme to safeguard historic places of worship and ensure they remain active centres of community life for years to come.
Originally St Nicholas’ Church, the building was designated as a cathedral in 1882 and continues to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds for worship, events, and reflection.
The latest investment will help preserve its rich history while ensuring it remains accessible and welcoming.