The work to create this wheelchair accessible lift is the first of a three phase project to make the Lady Chapel more accessible to visitors and the Undercroft a mcuh better place for choirs.

This first phase will result in the accessible lift enabling visitors to enter the Lady Chapel from the rear of the Cathedral. This is major piece of work which is in keeping with the Cathedral's splendid architecture. Disruption to visitors during the work, which is due to be completed in March 2012, will be kept to a minimum.

We are immensely grateful to the West Lancashire Freemasons for their generous donations which have made this project possible. You can read more about their visit to us and see what we would be doing on their website.

Mike Eastwood, Cathedral Administrator said "We're delighted to be able to be going ahead with this accessible lift. We are determined to make sure all visitors are able to enjoy this beautiful chapel and it is great that this will change in the New Year. And we're tremendously grateful to the West Lancashire Freemasons who have generously supported this work. As we have no sources of government funding or large legacies we need people of vision to help us with this work".

Once work on the accessible lift has been completed we will then start work to make the Undercroft a place for the 21st Century Choir with enhanced rehearsal and recreational space. The third and final phase will involve us working to improve catering facilities for Lady Chapel events.

If you are interested in supporting the Cathedral with work like this then find out more on our fundraising pages