WORK has restarted on the Undercroft Learning Centre at Worcester Cathedral, after being suspended because of the pandemic.

The cathedral had been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to conserve the cellar - which dates back to the Medieval period - and to transform the space into a learning centre for visitors to enjoy.

Worcester Cathedral has an ambitious learning programme in place and the proposed plans for the space include teaching rooms, an interpretation space, a reception area and toilet facilities.

Camilla Finlay, from Acanthus Mews Architects, who are working on the project, said: "It's fabulous to be back in the Undercroft and it's a hive of activity again, after a period of quiet in March when the site stopped work completely as well as many other sites because of Covid.

"We were so anxious to get back here and carry on the work.

"The team from Croft have been able to find ways of working safety in the space and have put in place all the correct health and safety guidance and protection management systems so we can all get back to work carefully.

"Covid has meant the whole programme has shifted back a bit further, so we don't think the works will be finished until September, in line with the new term at King's.

"We are looking forward to seeing it finished at the space in use in the Autumn."

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The floor has now been installed and the craftsman on site are working their way through placing each individual stone, ensuring the room will be there for many more centuries.

A lift has been installed to help with access and the windows will arrive and be fitted "very soon."

The floor will be heated for provide comfort for the space.

Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: "This is one of the most exciting and interesting projects that we've been involved with."

Archaeologist, Chris Guy, has been excavating College Hall, and what was planned to be a simple drainage system turned into an archaeological excavation.

He said: "As soon as the tarmac came off, we started finding remains of structures. It has taught us a lot about what was going on during the Roman period onwards."