MEMBERS of Salisbury Rotary Club were given a detailed update on the present condition and future direction of Salisbury Cathedral at a recent talk by the Dean, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos.

Speaking to Rotarians, friends and guests, the Dean – an honorary member of the Club – offered an engaging overview of cathedral life today, the progress of major restoration works and the next phase of development planned for the historic site, as well as its wider role within the city.

He opened the evening with a light-hearted observation, revealing that the most frequently asked question at the visitor kiosk after entering through the High Street gate was: “Where is the Cathedral?” — a remark that prompted immediate laughter, given the building’s unmistakable presence.

Turning to the present day, the Dean outlined the significant progress that has been made in recent years.

Scaffolding has now been removed, a major repair programme has been completed, and the cathedral is said to be in its best condition since the mid-13th century.

Work is about to commence on the north walk of the cloisters, while two substantial glazier projects are currently underway.

Looking ahead, the Dean identified three immediate priorities for the cathedral.

These include bringing all staff together under one roof, as they are currently spread across four locations; addressing the shortage of meeting space, with only one meeting room presently available; and rehousing the Cathedral’s precious archive of historic documents – some dating back to medieval times – in conditions that properly protect them.

He explained that these objectives could be achieved through the upgrading of the Grade I-listed Leaden Hall.

Plans, previously reported on by the Salisbury and Avon Gazette, include using its garden to house the archives, providing space for educational work with children, creating a public reading room for researchers and developing additional meeting room facilities.

Any changes would be subject to planning permission, which is due to be considered by local authorities shortly.

In closing, the Dean highlighted the cathedral’s spiritual, cultural and economic relationship with the city.

Around 300,000 people visit the cathedral each year, with more than 11,500 people attending main Advent and Christmas services in 2025.

Major events such as Sarum Lights, which attracted 12,000 people, and the Flower Festival, attended by 14,000, underline its role as a focal point for the wider community.

The cathedral also played a vital civic role during Covid, with 35,000 people receiving vaccinations there in 2021.

Like all UK cathedrals, Salisbury Cathedral is a registered charity and is governed by a Board of Trustees known as The Chapter, chaired by the Dean.

Financial support from the national church is limited to the stipends of three clergy, meaning that all other income – around £19,000 per day – must be generated by the cathedral itself.

This includes revenue from tourism (with free entry for residents in SP1 to SP5), the shop, café, car parking, rental income, fundraising and investments.