For many years the interior of the church was lit to a rather basic and unsatisfactory level with inappropriate pendant fittings which interrupted the main vistas through the building. There were huge bundles of visible cabling as well as limited control which, as a whole, provided little in the way of either functionality or atmosphere.
In a joint Church and Ratepayers initiative a scheme was designed to address these problems and to provide lighting which would enhance the visual appreciation of this magnificent historic Church. It involved intense and disruptive work which meant the Congregation having to relocate for almost a year.
The building now has a fully controllable lighting system which has been sympathetically installed so that there is minimal impact on the wall elevations and views through the building. Lights have been carefully positioned at high level and certain fittings have been painted to match the background colour and cabling sleeved to blend in (where it could not be completely hidden).
As well as the lighting internally the tower and spire have been illuminated and bring the building to life at night.
As part of the project, the woodblock and stone floors were conserved and repaired, the building was redecorated and a new sound system and hearing loop installed.
As the Architects for the Fabric of the Church, CCD undertake regular inspections and advise on maintenance programmes for the building. Over the past 30 years many of the roofs have been repaired and in 2006/7 the entire Spire, Tower and South Transept was enveloped with scaffolding for major conservation and roof repairs.