National architects chosen for £7m Manchester Cathedral project

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) has been chosen as the lead architecture firm on the west end aspect of the £15m Manchester Cathedral development.

After a competition run on behalf of the cathedral by property consultancy Dooley Associates, in which architectural practices were invited to submit proposals for a place on the project, FCBS was awarded the £7m contract.

The managing director of Dooley Associates, Brendan Dooley, called the response to the competition “phenomenal”.

He said: “Following detailed interviews with five practices, the panel selected Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios as one of two practices that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

“The panel concluded that Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios’ innovative yet pragmatic approach was the best and most deliverable solution for this high profile and sensitive site.”

The other practices shortlisted included Richard Griffiths Architects, BDP, Purcell and Buttress Architects.

As part of the competition, companies were asked to create designs that would both preserve and enhance the character and heritage of the cathedral’s current west façade.

Following its appointment, FCBS, which launched a new Manchester office in 2015, will work alongside the cathedral to produce a design towards a Heritage Lottery Fund bid that will be submitted later this year.

Manchester Cathedral’s director of fundraising and development, Anthony O’Connor, said: “The cathedral has embarked on its largest building intervention in its history with a planned completion on its 600-year anniversary in 2021.

“It is great, that thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and partners, several projects are already on site.”