Restoration & Conservation > Wells Cathedral, Mary Mitchell Garden

Project Report

WELLS CATHEDRAL, MARY MITCHELL GARDEN

Client: Wells Cathedral
Architect: Purcell, Miller & Tritton
Quantity Surveyor: Bare, Leaning & Bare
Main Contractor: Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd
Requirements 

Our brief was to construct a new Visitor Centre, shop and restaurant complete with catering kitchen, stores and all associated services within the grounds of this historic Cathedral, whilst the current facilities were still in use by the public.  Access to the site would be via public open spaces constantly in use so a great emphasis was placed on health and safety and all necessary precautions to ensure the smooth running of the contract with minimal disruption to the everyday use of the Cathedral.

Construction

The contract commenced with excavations of the garden to form reinforced concrete foundations upon which the new Visitor Centre would be constructed.  During this process Archaeological surveillance and recording was carried out as necessary at such an important historic site.

The next phase of construction commenced with the erection of the main building structure including steel roof framing off oak post supports then covered with indigenous slates and leadwork. 

Beam and block floor structures were created and external walls were formed using natural stone work and lime render.  Energy efficient glazed screens were installed along with oak external doorways. Internal works incorporated oak and natural stone paving to the floors, Oak wall linings and screens were installed and a feature staircase and passenger lift was created.  Full mechanical and electrical services were installed and air handling facilities fitted.

A new catering kitchen was formed to meet the requirements of the Cathedral along with public toilets.  All remaining fixtures and fittings were completed as necessary to make the building fully functional for public use.

External works and landscaping were carried out as necessary to complete this project to a high standard of finish both internally and externally (in keeping with the historic Cathedral setting) and to the satisfaction of our client.
Value:  £2,400,000