Portsmouth Cathedral is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded nearly £118,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the visitor experience within the Cathedral. This funding will support the creation of a new dynamic space within the South Tower Transept, combining the shop and welcome area with a new heritage exhibition space. The project will highlight both the rich history of the Cathedral and its deep connections with the city of Portsmouth.

As we approach our centenary in 2027, this project is particularly significant. It not only offers a unique opportunity to showcase Portsmouth Cathedral's history but also strengthens our shared heritage with the city celebrating its own centenary in 2026. The new space will include state-of-the-art display cases, allowing us to present treasured artefacts from our own collection as well as loans from other institutions. This will be complemented by digital and interactive visitor interpretations, bringing the stories of the Cathedral and Portsmouth to life in an engaging and accessible way.

A key feature of the project is the collaboration with the Mary Rose Trust. We are delighted to announce that a curator from the Mary Rose Museum will be seconded to Portsmouth Cathedral for the duration of the project, further cementing the long-standing relationship between our organisations.

“I am absolutely delighted at this award, both for the ways it will enhance our welcome to visitors and pilgrims and enable us to showcase our central place in the maritime history of Portsmouth and longstanding relationship with bodies such as the Mary Rose Trust.” The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, Dean of Portsmouth.

This project not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports the Cathedral’s long-term sustainability. By relocating the shop to a more prominent position and integrating it with the heritage display, we anticipate increased footfall and a more engaging visitor journey. The modular design of the new welcome area and exhibition space ensures flexibility, allowing the Cathedral to adapt to future needs while maintaining the integrity of the historical setting.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund's support represents a significant step forward for Portsmouth Cathedral, paving the way for future projects and further strengthening our ties with the local community. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to preserve our heritage, ensure our heritage is as accessible as possible, support our organisational stability and contribute to our ongoing Carbon Net-Zero work.

“We are delighted to support such an important project in our City. The Mary Rose Trust already has a very close relationship with the Cathedral of the Sea, we have an unknown crew member from the Mary Rose entombed in the Cathedral and carry out an annual remembrance and commemoration of those who died on 19 July 1545. There is a such a rich culture of history and heritage in Portsmouth Cathedral and delighted we can support this project and look forward to seeing the impact it will have for culture, heritage and our community in the future.” Dominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust.

The project is set to begin in October 2024, with the new space expected to open ahead of Advent 2025. We look forward to welcoming visitors to explore and celebrate the rich heritage that unites Portsmouth Cathedral with the city and beyond.