Cathedral proposes to open conference centre

Some bookings have already been taken in anticipation of St Oswald's Conference Centre getting approval

A cathedral is looking to open a conference centre inside one of its buildings as it looks to balance the books.

Peterborough Cathedral has applied for permission to change the use of part of its Visitor and Learning Centre into St Oswald's Conference Centre, for use by corporate clients.

According to the planning statement, the building would "bring new opportunities for professional gatherings within one of the city's most celebrated landmarks".

"Importantly, the expanded use will ensure the longevity of use of the building which would otherwise have to be closed for economic reasons," it added.

The cathedral hopes to boost the "viability" of the education centre

The current site was converted from a residential dwelling in 2013.

Over the years it has operated as a space for meetings, lectures, a library, cafe and heritage centre.

The top floor would still be retained for educational use, but some of the building would be let out for business meetings, conferences, workshops, corporate and personal events.

It has provisionally started to take bookings, with the city council, Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Positive and the Prison Service "all indicating that they will book spaces", the planning application said.

"The current position running at a loss cannot be sustained and the building will need to be closed down if its occupancy, and therefore income, cannot be increased," it added.

A concierge and a cleaner would be hired part-time to look after the site.

If the plans get approval, the cathedral hopes to open the centre in September.