A historic cathedral has secured nearly £250,000 to support a major renewal project that could shape its long-term future.
St Davids Cathedral, one of Wales’ most important medieval buildings, has received £247,853 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop detailed plans for a wide-ranging scheme focused on repairs, accessibility, environmental improvements, and visitor experience.
The funding will support the planning stage of the "St Davids Cathedral – A New Journey" project, which aims to address urgent conservation needs and position the cathedral as a sustainable and welcoming centre of heritage and faith.
The Very Reverend Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St Davids, said: "This will help us take the next steps in securing a confident future for St Davids Cathedral, its surroundings, and all that we do here, at the spiritual heart of Wales.
"We're grateful to all who make this possible through playing the Lottery."
The planning phase will include community engagement and consultation with visitors and those involved in cathedral life.
It will lay the groundwork for a larger funding bid to deliver the full programme of works.
She said: "Ancient buildings demand significant care, and periodically require major attention beyond routine maintenance.
"The need to renew some of the work done by the Victorians, and also address the effects of climate change, make this one of those times.
"We shall also use the opportunity to enhance and develop the welcome of 'holy hospitality' we offer both the local community and visitors from far and wide."
The project will focus on four main areas: essential building repairs, environmental and climate resilience improvements, deepening public engagement, and strengthening the cathedral’s organisational capacity.
Dr Rowland Jones said: "We're grateful to all who make this possible through playing the Lottery."
Andrew White, director of Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We recognise the scale of the challenges facing places of worship and those who care for them.
"Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support this important planning phase of work for St Davids Cathedral, which is set in the historic heart of St Davids, North Pembrokeshire.
"This work will bring communities together to shape a sustainable future for the Cathedral, ensuring it remains resilient, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come."
The cathedral also expressed thanks to those who supported the development of the project, including architect Andrew Faulkner, archaeologist Ross Cook, DCA Consulting, clergy, and staff.
Additional credit was given to the Church in Wales for contributing £255,000 towards preparatory work and surveys earlier this year, which supported the successful funding bid.
The announcement comes as Dr Rowland Jones prepares to retire after serving beyond the mandatory retirement age of 70.
She said she was pleased to have brought the planning stage to this point before handing over to her successor, who is expected to be appointed later this year.
St Davids Cathedral welcomes around 200,000 visitors annually and remains under financial pressure due to the rising costs of maintaining a historic structure.
A £1 campaign launched several years ago continues to support its upkeep.
The latest funding award will enable the cathedral to take a significant step towards securing its future for generations to come.
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