When Richard III’s remains were discovered in Leicester and reinterred in the cathedral in a specially designed tomb in 2015, visitor numbers rocketed from 42,800 to 220,000 in the space of a year. So, it was just as well that the cathedral had already put i place a masterplan, designed by Van Heyningen and Haward Architects (vHH), to improve the visitor experience well before the unveiling of the new tomb. The last phase of that masterplan has just been completed and will make Leicester Cathedral a much more appealing destination for visitors and staff alike.

The first phase included reordering the chancel to accommodate the new tomb and a modern liturgy by moving the high altar from the east of the chancel to the centre of the church for more inclusive worship, and landscaping the space around the cathedral to create a welcoming public open space. But there were only two toilets serving the whole cathedral, there was no disability access, staff accommodation was inadequate and there was no storage space for the chairs needed for services.

The second and final phase of the plan tackles these shortcomings. Called Leicester Cathedral Revealed and also designed by vHH, this has just been completed.