Hull Minster has received a £3.9 million grant to help make the magnificent building a heritage hub for the city.
The funding from Highways England will be used for major improvements including a glass, bronze and stone extension housing a visitor and heritage centre.
The extension will feature exhibition spaces, a cafe and other visitor facilities at the minster – which is the largest parish church in England by floor area.
A computer-generated image showing the extension to Hull Minster.
It will lead into a “heritage corridor” within the church, creating a home for carefully curated exhibits about the history of Hull and the minster’s role in it.
The investment comes from the Highways England Environment Designated Fund, which is designed to protect historic features in areas near to major roads.
The grant is linked to the proposed A63 Castle Street scheme, which passes just 100 metres from the church.
Work is set to start in spring on the project, which will improve access between the Port of Hull and the national road network via the city centre.
The new visitor and heritage centre will enable Hull Minster to accommodate a broader range of community activities, including for families.
Highways England senior project manager James Leeming said: “It is a real pleasure to support an iconic venue like Hull Minster as part of our important work in the city. Our Designated Funds programme empowers us to invest in projects beyond our traditional schemes.”
The Vicar of Hull Minster, the Reverend Canon Dr Neal Barnes, said: “This is wonderful news for the Minster and the city of Hull. It will enable us to fulfil the Minster’s potential to be a hub for visitors and tourists to the historic Old Town.”
