Liverpool Cathedral
The Brief
Looking after the historic fabric of Liverpool Cathedral, guiding proposals for change and planning major repair work
Liverpool Cathedral was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1978, making it unusual in having been the work of a single architect but built over much of the 20th century.
Mike Darwell has been Cathedral Architect since 2019. The role includes advising the Dean and Chapter on caring for the historic fabric and on proposals for alteration, helping establish what change is appropriate and how it can be carried out.
John Coward Architects has completed two quinquennial inspections of the cathedral. These major condition reports identify defects across the building and set out the repair work that needs addressing.
Key features
- Mike Darwell appointed Cathedral Architect in 2019
- Two quinquennial inspections completed
- Repair work to roofs and masonry
- Repairs to the cathedral’s stained glass
- Replacement underfloor heating to the west nave well
- Air source heat pump introduced in 2026
- Echo organ division installed at the south-east triforium in 2024
- Masterplanning for major repair and future change
- Planning for improvements to the public realm
- Close ongoing work with the Cathedral Clerk of Works
Repair, change and long-term planning
Our work ranges from localised repairs right through to major projects and long-term planning. Roof repairs, repointing and work to the stained glass all form part of the continuing care of a building of this scale.
In the west nave well, the original underfloor heating used copper pipework embedded within the floor. After corrosion caused the system to fail, it was replaced with a new wet system using plastic pipework. Since 2026, an air source heat pump has provided some of its power, making Liverpool one of the first cathedrals in England to introduce this form of heating technology.
Another major project was installing the echo organ division at the south-east triforium, completed in 2024.
Alongside individual projects, we look at the cathedral as a whole. Masterplanning helps the Dean and Chapter plan major repairs and future changes, including improvements to the public realm, and coordinates the work so the cathedral can remain open to visitors as much as possible.
A building of this scale and significance presents particular difficulties in determining how best to carry out repairs. The work must respond to how the building was originally put together while protecting the architectural character that makes it significant.
The Cathedral Architect role is ongoing. Mike works closely with the Cathedral Clerk of Works and contacts the cathedral team at least weekly as repair projects, maintenance, and proposals for change develop.
