Cathedral will be the 'jewel in city's crown'

THE architect overseeing the restoration of St Columb's Cathedral has said that when completed, the historic church will be the "jewel in Derry's crown."

Karl Pedersen of Mullarkey Pedersen Architects spoke to the Sentinel as a major section of the external refurbishment went on show on Monday after the removal of builder's scaffolding.

The North elevation of the Cathedral was unveiled in the last few days showing the full glory of the restoration-and almost unrecognisable as the building in danger of severe structural damage a mere nine months ago.

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Mr Pedersen said: Everything is running on time and good weather permitting it will be finished on time. Visually, everyone will see the difference, and will see things about the Cathedral that they have never seen before. The investigations we did before the restoration were very thorough and we are very fortunate that we have very good contractors on site. Because of the investigative work we knew what we had to undertake.

"We had to repoint the stonework throughout the Cathedral so the differences between the stone will be seen initially, but within about five years it will blend in."

The leading architect said that whilst the repairs will be visible for a while the experience of walking around the Cathedral up on the Walls will allow a story to be told that was previously hidden from view.

Karl Pedersen also said: "Northern Ireland Tourist Board (N.I.T.B) have been fabulous in getting us the funding, and because of that investment the Cathedral will become the jewel in Derry's crown."

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Dean of St Columb's Cathedral, Rev Dr William Morton told the Sentinel: "I am delighted with the whole project and have to thank Karl Pedersen and associates for their management of the project, as well as Noel James the Clerk of Works.

"The transition is unbelievable, its breathtaking inside and outside, within a period of just nine months. I'm looking forward to its completion in early 2011."

The Cathedral restoration is not only concerned with revamping a church, opened in 1641, to former glory but will also add touches of modernity in compliance with today's demands. These include the provision of disabled toilets, a restructuring of car parking facilities. These match the recent refurbishment of No 1 St Columb's Court which was utilised this summer to carry out period dramas.

Andy Best of N.I.T.B who authorised the 2 million grant for the restoration of the Cathedral, told the Sentinel: "If you think of the Walled City as a museum, then the Cathedral is one of the key exhibits in that museum as are many of the other projects in the area."

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Mr Best also said he had noticed "big progress" with the project since it began. The NITB man also praised the level of skilled work involved in the restoration.

"I have been up on the scaffolding and witnessed this at first hand. And, everything is on target to be completed in 2011," he concluded.

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