Precinct
We know that it is at the entrance to the Cathedral where visitors form their first impression of whether they are likely to be made welcome. The Cathedral’s Precinct occupies a strategic location on the edge of the University Quarter, fronting Rodney and Hope Streets and forming a unique partnership with the Metropolitan Cathedral. It neighbours St James’ Gardens, whose historic and environmental importance is now recognised, and forms an important link between Toxteth and the City Centre.
The Precinct needs to be redesigned to improve the use of space, to integrate better with the surrounding areas, and improve public and vehicular access. We have a real opportunity to create a more vibrant, diverse and child-friendly community for all those who live, visit or work within the Precinct, or close to it, whilst at the same becoming a beacon of environmental good practice.
Partnerships
Currently, the Cathedral is involved with some neighbouring organisations and working alongside other projects to serve the regeneration of the whole vicinity, with special reference to St James’ Gardens and the need to improve public transport systems and general access to the area.
The Oratory
The Oratory is situated to the west of the Cathedral has been used for many years by National Museums and Galleries of Liverpool. Its original purpose was for the funeral services before people were buried in the cemetery behind. It was simple in design internally with modest pews, a lectern and lit by a skylight roof, typical of the Greek architectural style. The cemetery closed in 1936 shortly followed by the Oratory. It now houses a collection of sculpture which is shown by NML on an occasional basis.
Precinct Environment
As part of our new visitor facilities, new, uniform signage has been introduced across the Cathedral precinct. Visitor parking and entrances still need to be remodelled to provide an efficient and welcoming visitor landscape, and these along with general traffic management form our immediate priorities.
Access to St James’ Gardens
St James’ Gardens is situated north of the Cathedral, just below the Welsford Porch. The Gardens belong to the City. This conservation area of 10 acres was previously a burial ground but in the early 1970’s transformed into a public garden. This area is now in need of further landscaping with the possibility of a walkway between the Cathedral and the gardens under discussion with local partnerships and organisations with whom it is hoped the costs will be shared. The voluntary organization The Friends of St James Gardens have already made a huge impact upon the environment within the gardens through their tireless litter collection, groundworks and planting.
