Peterborough Cathedral could soon undergo a dramatic transformation with a £299,432 investment in a new, modern lighting system designed to safeguard its historic spaces while strengthening its role as the city’s cultural and civic heart.
The proposal, titled Peterborough Cathedral – Let There Be Light, will be presented to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Board on September 24. If approved, work would begin later this year to replace failing and outdated lighting with an energy-efficient, flexible system capable of supporting both worship and large-scale events.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said the project represents the type of focused investment the region needs to thrive.
“With a growing region, it’s vital our heritage and tourism assets are not left behind,” he said. “In Peterborough, new Cathedral lighting will make this iconic building safer, more welcoming and more flexible, helping to bring in more visitors and boost our city centre economy. This is about doing fewer things but doing them really well and making sure the investments we make really count.”
A Heritage Site with Modern Needs
The Cathedral, one of Peterborough’s most treasured landmarks, plays a dual role as both a place of worship and a driver of cultural life. But its outdated lighting has increasingly hindered its ability to host high-quality events, posed safety challenges, and limited accessibility for visitors with additional needs.
Friday 12 July 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
The proposed upgrade would replace 286 old light fittings with high-efficiency LED units, install a centralised smart control system, and introduce zonal “mood-lighting” to adapt the Cathedral for a wide range of uses. Specialist features would improve accessibility for neurodiverse and visually impaired visitors, ensuring inclusivity sits at the heart of the project.
Boosting Visitors, Cutting Costs
According to the business case, the new system could cut energy consumption by around 10 per cent, saving the Cathedral an estimated £4,000 a year in running costs. At the same time, it forecasts a 10–15 per cent rise in footfall, repeat visits, and external event hires, thanks to the Cathedral’s enhanced flexibility as a cultural venue.
Failure to proceed, the report warns, would mean continued disruption to services, operational risks, and a diminished reputation as one of the city’s premier venues.
Unlocking Peterborough’s Potential
Mayor Bristow said the scheme was about investing in the city’s long-term future.
“New lighting will not only preserve the Cathedral’s sacred atmosphere but also unlock its potential as a vibrant civic space,” he added. “It’s about protecting what makes Peterborough special, while ensuring it can thrive for future generations.
If approved, installation is expected to be completed by March 2026 — a timeline designed to deliver maximum benefit while keeping disruption to a minimum.
The CPCA Board will now decide whether to back the scheme in full, with the Mayor urging members to see the project as both a safeguard for heritage and a catalyst for growth in the city centre.
