Wakefield Cathedral sets date and lays out plans for reopening

The Government announced that all places of worship could open for supervised private prayer from June 15 in line with social distancing guidelines.

It is the start of the journey to reopening for Wakefield Cathedral, which this week said it expected to be able to open from July 1.

The Dean, the Very Revd Simon Cowling, said careful preparations were taking place to allow the cathedral to open its doors once more – but that the historic Grade-I listed building would not open until it was safe to do so.

He said: “We welcome the announcement that places of worship can open for private prayer from Monday, June 15. “Here at Wakefield Cathedral we have been working towards a phased re-opening and our primary concern is the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

“There is much to be done, and while we long to open our doors again as soon as possible, and welcome back those who wish to light a candle, say a prayer or reflect on these unprecedented times, we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of all”.

New safety measures will mean limiting the number of people allowed inside at any one time, much reduced seating, hand sanitisers at appropriate points, and new signage to remind people of the health and safety around social distancing .

The Cathedral Kitchen, the Cathedral Shop and the toilets will not open yet. They will be part of a later phase of the re-opening.

The cathedral closed its doors on March 23 and will continue to offer digital worship and reflections online at wakefieldcathedral.org.uk.