Hoardings come down to reveal cathedral extension
BBCConstruction site hoardings outside Leicester Cathedral have been taken down to reveal the medieval building's new heritage and learning centre.
The majority of Cathedral Gardens was fenced off in 2021 as part of a £12.7m revamp of the historical building, which is home to the remains of King Richard III.
The area has now been opened up again as work on the project draws to a close.
Scaffolding has also been taken down to show the extension's stonework, glazed terracotta fins and copper roof parapet.
The Diocese of Leicester said the hoardings had been removed temporarily to aid the cathedral's involvement with the city's Light Up Leicester festival from 12–15 March.
The site will then again be sealed off with fencing to allow for the reinstatement of Cathedral Gardens, including repair work, installation of new turf and the removal of temporary ground works done to make the site safe during the festival.
It is anticipated Cathedral Gardens and the heritage and learning centre will be fully opened by late May or early June.
Richard Norman, chief operating officer at Leicester Cathedral, said: "We can't wait to welcome the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and beyond back to a fully reopened Cathedral site."
"There has been much hard work with plenty of challenges along the way.
"But since we reopened the main cathedral building back in November 2023 we've seen an amazing response to the work to restore the building, renew our sacred spaces, and reaffirm the cathedral's place at the centre of city and county."
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