THE brand new Sir John Laing Centre opened at Coventry Cathedral on May 25 as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby was present to open the centre, which provides a space within the cathedral for activities including school trips and workshops.
The centre is the first extension to the cathedral since it was built and features significantly improved facilities and accessibility to visitors.
The new building is the biggest part of a £3.5million redevelopment.
The cash for the project came from Coventry City Council’s Cultural Capital Investment Fund with other contributions from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Government’s Local Growth Fund among others.
The John Laing construction company built the new cathedral 60 years ago, and the centre has been named to recognise the ongoing support of the Laing Family Trusts.
The trusts have supported the new building as well as the Cathedral’s Diamond Jubilee Endowment Fund, which aims to make Coventry Cathedral an inspiring place to visit for all.
Rev John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry said: “We are immensely grateful to all those whose support has made this possible, and especially to the Laing Family Trusts.
“We are delighted to take this opportunity to mark our appreciation of their long-standing commitment.”
