Westminster Abbey set for development

Westminster Abbey – one of the top tourist attractions in London and the UK – is set to undergo the first redevelopment work in over 250 years.

The £23 million development, which will be completed in 2013, will see a corona added to the abbey's roof and the triforium (the abbey's upper gallery) transformed into a museum to display the historic items held there.

Explaining the development, the very reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, said: "Those who came before us have left a wonderful building, alive with history, a treasure-house of art, architecture and music.

"But the duty of each generation is to build on that inheritance, not simply conserve it.

"Like the stewards in the parable, we have been given our treasure not to be hoarded but enhanced, to the glory of God, and to enrich the lives of those who come after us."

The last substantial work on the abbey was carried out by Nicholas Hawksmoor 264 years ago – work which saw the West Towers added.

"The aim of this strategy is to help us approach that challenge together with confidence and clarity of purpose," added Dr Hall.

Further details of the project Westminster Abbey: A Strategy for 2020 and Beyond can be found here.

travelbite.co.uk staff