The works to form the new Heritage and Education Centre at Peterborough have seen the conversion of two of the Cathedral Precinct buildings. One a grade 2 listed house and the other a Scheduled Ancient Monument; the Knights Chamber.
The primary challenge of the project therefore became the conversion and adaption of historic spaces to provide a modern facility along with the restoration of a significant historic building set in a prominent position within the Cathedral precincts. The buildings change of use to that of a public space has required improved toilet and access facilities. The housing of these within the confines of the building required careful planning. A vertical section of the building sited at one end of the residence against the Knights Chamber formerly housing the kitchen and bathrooms provided an ideal opportunity to introduce new vertical circulation and toilets. A platform lift was installed with a new staircase wrapping around it, to provide additional escape and access into the Knights Chamber. This new access also allows the heritage and education centres to act independently of each other simultaneously.
Within the works there was a comprehensive M&E package of works that has seen new heating and electrical systems incorporated throughout the buildings. The extent of the new cabling and systems required has been a further challenge, as once again the nature of the building has not lent itself to the large extent of modern equipment required for the facilities.
The successful completion of this work has created an exciting new facility for Peterborough Cathedral, which has formed a new heritage centre to tell the story of the Cathedral, whilst at the same time offering a new education facility and providing an exciting new space within one of the Cathedral Precincts most prominent buildings
