About the Reaching New Heights Project
Reaching New Heights is a major project to repair two historic pinnacles on the northwest corner of the Cathedral's tower.
Our architects and engineers have planned the work, while Cathedral masons have carved and prepared replacement stones, quarried in Staffordshire. The scaffold, erected in August, will remain in place until January 2027 to allow the repairs to be completed safely.
Once the scaffold is complete, specialists will carefully inspect and dismantle the pinnacles stone by stone. Damaged stones will be replaced with newly carved pieces, and the pinnacles rebuilt using hidden stainless-steel supports to ensure their long-term stability.
Watch Scaffold Build Timelapse
October 2026
Scaffolding Goes Up as Worcester Cathedral's Reaching New Heights Project Gets off the Ground
August 2026
Scaffolding is being erected around Worcester Cathedral's tower as work begins on the next phase of the Cathedral's major Reaching New Heights conservation project.
The project will see the repair and rebuilding of the Cathedral's vulnerable northwest pinnacles, securing the historic structure for generations to come and safeguarding one of Worcester's most recognisable landmarks.
The scaffold build commenced on Monday 17 August and is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete. Conservation work on the pinnacle will then begin, with a further eight weeks of repair work planned, alongside a four-week contingency period. The scaffolding is currently expected to be removed in early January 2027.
The substantial scaffold structure by Border Scaffold Services Ltd will mirror that used successfully during previous work on the northeast pinnacles. It will include a large platform at the level of the transept roof, with a narrower working scaffold extending to the north-west corner of the tower where repairs will take place.
To ensure the safety of contractors, Cathedral staff, volunteers and visitors, several temporary changes will be in place during the construction and repair phases.
The Cathedral has responded to community feedback by silencing the daytime clock chimes. The quarter chimes have been switched off and will remain silent throughout the project. The hour bell will continue to sound before 8.00am and after 5.00pm but will not ring during working hours.
In addition, bellringing and tower tours will be suspended whenever contractors are working on the scaffolding, currently anticipated to be between 7.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with possible Saturday morning working during the scaffold erection phase.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Cathedral website and visitor information channels for the latest updates regarding tower access and tours.
The Reaching New Heights project was launched following damage caused by Storm Arwen in November 2021, when winds of up to 100mph led to the collapse of the Cathedral's northeast pinnacle. Detailed investigations revealed that the northwest pinnacles had been constructed using similar methods and were therefore at risk of comparable structural failure.
Temporary steel supports were installed to secure the affected pinnacles, but permanent conservation work is now essential to protect the Cathedral's historic fabric and ensure the long-term safety of the building.
The project will showcase the exceptional expertise of Worcester Cathedral's in-house stonemasons, demonstrating traditional heritage skills alongside modern engineering techniques. The rebuilt pinnacles will use Red Hollington stone combined with integrated steelwork to provide a durable and resilient solution while remaining faithful to the Cathedral's historic character.
The work is being undertaken by the Cathedral's experienced conservation team, supported by specialist consultants and dedicated volunteers.
Worcester Cathedral received a £249,956 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in support of the Reaching New Heights project. Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding is helping to secure the future of one of England's most important heritage buildings, enabling vital conservation work while celebrating and sharing traditional craft skills with new audiences at the West Midlands Heritage Careers Fair.
As scaffolding rises around the Cathedral tower over the coming weeks, it will mark the visible beginning of a project that will protect Worcester Cathedral's skyline and heritage for generations to come.
As part of the project, Worcester Cathedral is inviting visitors to look beyond the stone this autumn with a fascinating programme of expert-led tours exploring the architecture, archaeology and historic graffiti that reveal the stories of the people who built, worked in and worshipped here.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant Awarded for Historic Pinnacle Restoration
May 2026
We're delighted to announce the award of a £249,956 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for our landmark project 'Reaching New Heights' - dedicated to the urgent repair and conservation of the Cathedral’s northwest pinnacles.
Thanks to National Lottery players, this award marks a significant step in safeguarding one of England’s most iconic heritage sites for future generations.
The 'Reaching New Heights' project aims to repair and rebuild two pinnacles of the Cathedral tower, replacing temporary protection with a long-term solution - preserving the Cathedral’s historic fabric and mitigating the risk of further damage.
In November 2021, Storm Arwen’s 100mph winds caused the fall of a northeast pinnacle, reminding the community that the Cathedral must be actively preserved. Surveying undertaken identified that the northwest pinnacles were constructed in the same way as those on the northeast side. They were secured with temporary steel brackets but are in urgent need of rebuilding to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and integrity of the Cathedral.
