By Aiden Pearce
Leicester Cathedral has reopened to visitors after the completion of key parts of a major project to make it more accessible to different groups of people.
The cathedral was closed for most of the past two years to allow different stages of the project which is due for completion by the end of the year.
Les Mitchelmore, who has worked as one of the cathedral’s vergers for six years, has helped oversee the two years of work.
“We want everyone to be able to find a home here,” said 67-year-old Mr Mitchelmore.
The cathedral reopened on November 26 but various aspects of the reconstruction are not due to be finished until the end of this year. The project has been all about inclusivity and expansion to cater to all ages and disabilities.
“The cathedral needed to be in more of a useable state because there was no disability access, and only two toilets in the whole of the cathedral,” said Mr Mitchelmore.
“Over these two years we’ve had a ramp recently installed outside the building, underfloor heating, new lighting, and the garden has been completely restored.
“There will be four floors and we will also be adding an education area for schools and an exhibition to tell the city about Leicester cathedral’s extensive history.”
During the closure, not having a church base has given other Leicester parishes the opportunity to open up their space and welcome worshippers in, through joint services and celebrations of faith.
“Upon reopening, we’ve had the joy of inviting those parishes back into our cathedral, being able to share the same hospitality and work together,” added Mr Mitchelmore.
He said the cathedral is important to many people, as a community not just a building, adding: “Leicester Cathedral is the beating heart of the city and county.”
Upcoming events are likely to include civic services with the mayor of Leicester, as well as reopening celebration services towards the end of the year, when all the reconstruction projects are complete.
