This project has taken almost ten years to come to fruition but the completed building was finally handed over at the end of November 2001.

Various challenges had to be overcome as the site is opposite the Great West Door of the Cathedral and adjacent to the City's medieval Guildhall.

Archaeological surveys were carried out (the site is an old burial ground) and having overcome several design challenges, the Cathedral's Millennium Appeal provided the funding to see the project completed.

In fact the new building links into the Guildhall building as a joint facility with the City Council and this will give the Cathedral the facilities which are essential for a growing ministry. The joint site will become a "theatre of promotion and presentation" for tourists, pilgrims and interest groups. It is planned that the Centre will help to greatly improve the Cathedral's work with children and the linked facilities will include interactive video presentations and CD-ROM programs. The building is accessible to the disabled and those in wheelchairs.

The building has a shop linked with the Guildhall, a refectory and is a meeting place/reception area for up to 100 people. Toilets are a part of the development.

We were particularly fortunate to receive substantial financial support for this building from the David Wilson Foundation and Samworth Brothers to whom we are very grateful.

The building was formally opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who spoke of his pleasure that the building would be such a useful asset. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was the Patron of our Millennium Appeal and visited the Cathedral on three occasions.

Leicester Cathedral
The Cathedral Centre
21 St Martin's, Leicester. LE1 5DE
Telephone: 0116 248 7400  Fax: 0116 248 7470
Email: leicestercathedral@leccofe.org