Liverpool's hidden gem "Lutyens Crypt" is opened to the public

Lutyens Crypt is a vast area of awe inspiring brick vaulted spaces below the Metropolitan Cathedral. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930’s the Archdiocese of Liverpool has long recognised that it is one of Liverpool's hidden gems: a little known architectural treasure and a significant heritage opportunity.

Supported by Liverpool Vision, the Archdiocese obtained funding from the North West Development Agency and Europe towards the £3.6m cost of opening up the Crypt for wider public use and enjoyment. The recently completed scheme opens the Crypt to the public as a visitor attraction, conference and exhibition space and improves pedestrian access between the main Gibberd Cathedral and the Crypt.

The scheme includes a new internal stair and lift access between the Cathedral and the Crypt, and improvements to the external staircases which link the Crypt with the Cathedral entrance and ceremonial steps. Internally the Crypt now boasts an interactive Exhibition Hall, cathedral museum, high quality conference and events space and an educational and cultural resource.

Alongside the newly refurbished Victoria Gallery, reopened last year by the University of Liverpool, and the Anglican Cathedral’s visitor attraction at the opposite end of Hope Street, the opening of the Crypt has introduced another jewel into the Hope Street Quarter, further enhancing the attractiveness of a the area as a visitor destination and the focus of the City’s knowledge economy.

For Liverpool Vision schemes of this nature are important components of the bid to establish the Hope Street Quarter as a visitor destination of international significance. The area’s role as a cultural and creative hub is equally vital to the development and promotion of the knowledge economy in the area focused around the 2 Universities and the Liverpool Science Park.

For more info, see www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk/lutyensproject.html