Press Releases31 Oct 24

St Patrick’s Cathedral appoints Kelbuild to lead Mews Project restoration and revitalisation effort

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kelbuild, a highly regarded conservation contractor, to lead the Deanery Mews Project. Following a detailed tendering process, Kelbuild was selected to carry out the refurbishment and repurposing of the historic Deanery Mews building. This major project, which will bring new life to the Mews, is expected to be completed within the coming year and will feature state–of–the–art facilities designed to serve the Cathedral’s music, community, and education programs.

“The Deanery Mews Project marks a significant step in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral’s ongoing efforts to honour our historic structures while creating modern, sustainable spaces for community use,” said The Very Revd Dr William Morton, the Dean of Saint Patrick’s. “I am thrilled to welcome Kelbuild as our partner in this transformative effort. With their expertise, we are confident the Mews will become a welcoming, resourceful space for both congregation and community alike.”

The project will involve a comprehensive renewal of the Deanery Mews building, preserving the exterior walls while transforming the interior to serve multiple purposes. Once completed, the refurbished Mews will house Saint Patrick’s Cathedral’s music department, including three cutting–edge tuition rooms and a dedicated classroom on the upper floor. The ground floor will feature a multi–purpose room accommodating up to seventy people, a kitchenette, and accessible facilities, providing a versatile space for events, gatherings, and educational activities.

A key focus of the project is sustainability, a guiding principle for all Cathedral conservation initiatives. The Mews will incorporate innovative energy–efficient features, such as a passive ventilation system, high–insulation flooring with recycled materials, and photovoltaic panels on a newly constructed roof section to maximize energy self–sufficiency. “Ensuring energy efficiency in historic buildings can be challenging, but we are committed to finding sustainable solutions that respect our heritage,” said Gavan Woods, Cathedral Administrator.

The design and planning of the project are credited to the Cathedral’s architects, Howley Hayes Cooney, led by Project Architect Fionnuala and Chief Designer Ingrid. Their careful planning and attention to historic detail will ensure that the Mews becomes a beautiful, functional space for the entire community. Interactive Project Managers, who oversaw the Cathedral’s recent roof project, have also been appointed to oversee this development and ensure it stays on schedule and within budget.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral looks forward to unveiling the completed Mews Project next year and opening this dynamic space to the public.