Menu
29/06/2009
Westminster Abbey Invites Public Comment On Development Plans
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster are considering a new addition to the roof of Westminster Abbey which will enhance London's historic skyline and build on the work of Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor and George Gilbert Scott.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, has announced an exhibition setting out the Abbey's development plans and inviting public comment on its proposal to construct a corona, a crowning feature on the roof of the Abbey, in time to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of The Queen's Coronation in June 2013.
The corona, an architectural feature in the shape of a crown, would replace the small plain pyramid roof on top of the Lantern, which was re-built in 1958 to repair war damage. Underneath, in the church itself, is the Crossing, the heart of the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Through the centuries the Abbey's architects have put forward various schemes for this unfinished part of the Abbey but none have been realised.
No views have yet been taken about the form of a suitable design. That will be the subject of an architectural competition if, following public reaction, it is decided to go ahead.
Dr Hall will also announce that the Abbey plans to open up its upper gallery, known as the Triforium, to provide public access for the first time to this dramatic and important part of the Abbey and to house a new museum and exhibition space which will show many more of its historic treasures and artefacts which at present it is unable to put on public display.
A lift will have to be built in a discreet corner on the Abbey's south face to take some of the people up to the Triforium. There are equally important plans to improve the welcome and quality of the visit the Abbey is able to offer by the opening of an education centre for school children, and a café to provide better refreshments for the million visitors who come to the Abbey each year.
The proposals are all part of the Abbey's development plan, 2020 Vision, which has set an agenda over the next decade for the world-famous coronation church in the heart of London.
Final decisions will be influenced by the views of members of the public who will be invited to comment on the plans - which would then follow the normal route to obtain local planning consent.
(CD/JM)
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, has announced an exhibition setting out the Abbey's development plans and inviting public comment on its proposal to construct a corona, a crowning feature on the roof of the Abbey, in time to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of The Queen's Coronation in June 2013.
The corona, an architectural feature in the shape of a crown, would replace the small plain pyramid roof on top of the Lantern, which was re-built in 1958 to repair war damage. Underneath, in the church itself, is the Crossing, the heart of the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Through the centuries the Abbey's architects have put forward various schemes for this unfinished part of the Abbey but none have been realised.
No views have yet been taken about the form of a suitable design. That will be the subject of an architectural competition if, following public reaction, it is decided to go ahead.
Dr Hall will also announce that the Abbey plans to open up its upper gallery, known as the Triforium, to provide public access for the first time to this dramatic and important part of the Abbey and to house a new museum and exhibition space which will show many more of its historic treasures and artefacts which at present it is unable to put on public display.
A lift will have to be built in a discreet corner on the Abbey's south face to take some of the people up to the Triforium. There are equally important plans to improve the welcome and quality of the visit the Abbey is able to offer by the opening of an education centre for school children, and a café to provide better refreshments for the million visitors who come to the Abbey each year.
The proposals are all part of the Abbey's development plan, 2020 Vision, which has set an agenda over the next decade for the world-famous coronation church in the heart of London.
Final decisions will be influenced by the views of members of the public who will be invited to comment on the plans - which would then follow the normal route to obtain local planning consent.
(CD/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 November 2010
Abbey Is Royal Choice For April Wedding
Clarence House has announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton plan to marry on Friday 29 April at Westminster Abbey. The couple, who met at St Andrews University, Fife, announced their engagement to the public last week, however Prince William popped the question the while on holiday in Kenya in October.
Abbey Is Royal Choice For April Wedding
Clarence House has announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton plan to marry on Friday 29 April at Westminster Abbey. The couple, who met at St Andrews University, Fife, announced their engagement to the public last week, however Prince William popped the question the while on holiday in Kenya in October.
24 April 2015
Police Searching Lake In Nicola Payne Investigation
Police investigating the disappearance of Nicola Payne in 1991 are searching an area of water within Coombe Abbey Country Park. It is understood that Home Office scientists have already conducted a preliminary sonar examination of the lake, and will take focus on a stretch of shallow water.
Police Searching Lake In Nicola Payne Investigation
Police investigating the disappearance of Nicola Payne in 1991 are searching an area of water within Coombe Abbey Country Park. It is understood that Home Office scientists have already conducted a preliminary sonar examination of the lake, and will take focus on a stretch of shallow water.
04 June 2013
Some 2,000 Join Queen To Mark Coronation
2,000 guests have joined the Queen at Westminster Abbey to mark the 60th anniversary of her Coronation, with some of the congregation being made up by a number who took part in the 1953 service.
Some 2,000 Join Queen To Mark Coronation
2,000 guests have joined the Queen at Westminster Abbey to mark the 60th anniversary of her Coronation, with some of the congregation being made up by a number who took part in the 1953 service.
21 March 2005
Potential pension row strike averted
A one-day strike over proposed public sector pension changes has been called off by the unions involved. The proposed strike, which was due to take place on Wednesday, was called off after the government agreed to review local government pensions and negotiate with the unions.
Potential pension row strike averted
A one-day strike over proposed public sector pension changes has been called off by the unions involved. The proposed strike, which was due to take place on Wednesday, was called off after the government agreed to review local government pensions and negotiate with the unions.
04 February 2005
Unions to ballot members over pension age proposals
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have announced plans to ballot their members on strike action, over government plans to raise the public sector pension age to 65. The PCS, which has 290,00 public sector members, will join UNISON, the TGWU and Amicus, in balloting their members about a possible strike on March 23.
Unions to ballot members over pension age proposals
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have announced plans to ballot their members on strike action, over government plans to raise the public sector pension age to 65. The PCS, which has 290,00 public sector members, will join UNISON, the TGWU and Amicus, in balloting their members about a possible strike on March 23.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
