Westminster Abbey to Build £13 Million Entrance Lobby Named After King Charles

Westminster Abbey is set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of a new £13 million entrance lobby near the Great West door. Named after King Charles, this development will allow public access to a previously restricted area of the historic abbey.

The project, which has received approval from the King, is expected to begin later in 2024 and finish in 2026. The new single-storey L-shaped lobby, designed by Ptolemy Dean, will measure 95 feet long and 62 feet wide. It aims to complement the Gothic architecture of the building while providing a more prestigious entrance for visitors.

Upon completion, the new lobby will funnel visitors from the north side of the Abbey through new ticketing and security facilities. Visitors will be rewarded with an immediate view of the nave, following in the footsteps of Royals and VIPs through the ages.

The plans for this new entrance were initially revealed in 2019 but were put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr David Hoyle, stated, "We have done the archaeology, so the site is prepared. We have plans the King has seen. We hope we might have it built in the next two to three years."

Why this matters: This development will have a significant impact on the preservation and accessibility of a historic site, enhancing the experience of visitors from around the world. The new entrance lobby will also contribute to the local economy and promote cultural tourism, with potential long-term benefits for the surrounding community.

The new entrance lobby will be constructed on the site of the 13th-century Great Sacristy, built by Henry III and demolished in the 1740s. The project will be funded through fundraising efforts, with contributions expected from trusts and foundations, ensuring that no public money will be involved.

Leading architectural critic Tim Abrahams has expressed criticism of the design, saying, "Charles wants new buildings to be as small, anonymous and invisible as possible and this certainly is as small, invisible and anonymous as possible... Instead, we want bland buildings and this is a very bland building, which for £13 million is yet another missed opportunity."

Despite the criticism, the Abbey's Dean and Chapter have decided to restart the project, with construction set to begin later this year. The King is expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the importance of this development in enhancing visitor experience at Westminster Abbey.

The new entrance will not only provide a more streamlined and secure entry point but also offer an immediate and impressive view of the nave, enriching the visitor experience by connecting them more directly with the Abbey's historical and architectural significance.

With construction expected to begin later this year and finish in 2026, Westminster Abbey's new entrance lobby marks a significant step in making the historic site more accessible and welcoming to the public.

Key Takeaways

• Westminster Abbey to get a new £13m entrance lobby near the Great West door, named after King Charles.
• Construction to begin in 2024 and finish in 2026, with the King expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony.
• The new lobby will provide a more prestigious entrance for visitors and offer an immediate view of the nave.
• The project will be funded through fundraising efforts, with no public money involved.
• The new entrance will enhance visitor experience, promote cultural tourism, and contribute to the local economy.