Work starts on new entrance to Metropolitan Cathedral crypt

Aug 2 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

WORK has begun on a new extension to make access to the crypt of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral easier.

The new stairway and lift to the crypt is expected to draw thousands of extra visitors. More than £1m of European funding from the Merseyside Objective 1 programme was secured to start the project.

The crypt was the only element of Sir Edward Luytens's original design to be built.

The plans for the cathedral, which would have been the largest in the world, were superseded in 1959 by Sir Frederick Gibberd’s design, which led to the cathedral that stands today.

The new access will connect the upper level of the cathedral with the crypt via a new glazed spiral staircase and a lift.

Currently, access is only available from Brownlow Hill and the crypt is only open to the public for certain special events, including a beer festival.

The new access will create an exhibition area to display items from the cathedral treasury, and will also serve as a conference venue.

The Metropolitan Cathedral has previously benefited from £1.12m of EU investment to create the new piazza and grand entrance steps at the front of the building.

Richard Nutter, director of the Merseyside Objective 1 Programme, said: “Liverpool is home to some of the greatest buildings in Europe, but while the facades of these buildings are well known, too often what is on the inside has to be left to the imagination.”

He added: “The Metropolitan Cathedral is a much-loved Liverpool landmark and a major tourist attraction. This project will allow many more visitors and locals to see one of the city's hidden gems.”

The extension is expected to be open to the public by September, 2008.