Halifax Minster launches major plans to secure its long term future
Three major plans are being launched in an effort to secure the long term future of Halifax Minster.
The plans, split into liturgical, conservation management and sustainability, include proposals such as repairs, improving lighting and reducing its carbon footprint.
The liturgical plan sets out how the minster was used in the past for worship, how it is used today, and points to some of the issues that need to be resolved for the future.
Ideas and solutions being discussed include improved lighting at the main entrance to support visitors with sight impairment, improvements to the sound and vision systems, reordering the space where baptisms are carried out to make it more accessible as well as improvements to the Holdsworth Chapel to make it a place for prayer.
The conservation management plan maps out each section of the minster, identifying its historical significance, and ongoing fabric repairs for the next ten years.
Vicar of Halifax Minster, Rev Canon Hilary Barber said: “The minster is a highly-significant Grade I-listed building, designated and recognised by Historic England and the Church Buildings Council as one of the Church of England’s finest major churches.
“However, a number of issues have been identified that have the potential to impact upon its heritage, ranging from maintenance of the building fabric, impacts of climate change and a heating system reaching the end of its operational life.
"It’s important we address these so that the minster can continue to evolve and be secure for the next thousand years.”
The plan will address what building work needs to be done to preserve the building both internally and externally.
The sustainability plan, will show how the minster will reduce its carbon footprint and work towards net zero, replacing the existing fossil fuel gas system, with a more contemporary green system, and without the use of fossil fuels.
Secondary double glazing is being looked at for the minster’s historic stained glass windows, along with solar panels and heating individual areas of the church independently to make it more cost effective.
Canon Barber added: “These minster plans provide a road map for the trustees of the minster in caring for the largest medieval building in Calderdale for the next 30 years, ensuring that the minster continues to be a place of daily worship, a heritage destination, and a centre for hospitality and cultural activity.”
To see details of the plans visit halifaxminster.org.uk/minster-plans