The Millennium Project at Southwark Cathedral
The Millennium Project at Southwark Cathedral
We acted as structural engineers for the Millennium Project at Southwark Cathedral, which restored the Cathedral’s historic fabric, enhanced public amenities, and integrated the cathedral more coherently into Bankside’s revitalised riverside environment.
To help the Cathedral re-establish its spiritual and architectural presence, we worked with Richard Griffiths Architects on a wide-ranging scheme. A central feature of the project was the purchase and renovation of Montague Chambers, north of the Cathedral, transforming it into a modern suite of facilities including a refectory, shop, education centre, and adaptable meeting/function rooms. We advised on the linking of these new structures via an underground corridor to the Cathedral.
We then advised on works to the medieval structure, as well as the cleaning and floodlighting of the external fabric of the Cathedral, the re-landscaping of the churchyard, and the design of new visitor and study centre around a new courtyard giving visitors access to the Cathedral from the Thames Path. This provided a library, refectory, shop and conference rooms in an L-shaped structure echoing the former cloister. The use of pre-cast concrete is a particular feature of the building, and a very stone-like finish was achieved.
The project combined heritage restoration, contemporary architecture, archaeological heritage, and functional innovation to reposition Southwark Cathedral as a vibrant cultural hub in London’s riverside renaissance. Crucially, our work brought financial sustainability by generating revenue to support the Cathedral’s services, concerts, and community outreach.
The project went on to win a RIBA National Award, a Civil Trust Awards Commendation, and a Landscape Institute award for access.
Client: Southwark Cathedral
Architect: Richard Griffiths Architects
Photos: Courtesy of Richard Griffiths Architects