A £1 million upgrade enhancing worship, showcasing art, and reducing energy use by up to 90%.
The Challenge
By 2021, Chichester Cathedral’s lighting system was reaching the end of its life.
A patchwork of ageing fittings — from traditional candelabra to fluorescent, metal halide, halogen spotlights and floodlights — created inconsistent colour temperatures, uneven illumination and stark contrasts throughout the building. Many fittings were no longer serviceable, leaving areas poorly lit and difficult to maintain.
The outdated system not only compromised the visitor experience and the presentation of the Cathedral’s internationally significant art collection, but also consumed substantial energy — running counter to the Cathedral’s environmental commitments.
A complete overhaul had become essential.
The Solution
In January 2023, work began on a full lighting replacement project led by Surrey-based electrical contractors MSE.
To ensure the Cathedral’s historic and modern artworks were lit to the highest conservation standards, specialist Paintings and Polychrome Sculpture Conservator Sophie Reddington produced a detailed lighting report to guide the design.
The new system uses warm white LED light sources carefully calibrated to complement the Cathedral’s ancient stone and architectural features. It includes programmable scenes tailored for services, concerts and special events, with flexibility to adjust for time of day and season.
The project was completed in September 2023, on time and within budget.
The Impact
The result is transformational.
The new lighting system:
- Enhances the experience of worship and reflection
- Reveals architectural detail and artwork with clarity and sensitivity
- Provides flexibility for a wide range of liturgical and cultural events
- Improves reliability and ease of maintenance
Environmentally, the impact is significant:
- Energy consumption reduced by 80%
- Lighting-related carbon emissions reduced by approximately 90%
- Annual lighting costs dramatically reduced from nearly £20,000 to a fraction of that amount
This project represents a major step toward the Cathedral’s goal of reaching net zero carbon by 2030.
Funding & Partnership
The Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust played a central role in securing funding for this £1 million project, raising £750,000 from the Trust itself and a range of charitable trusts, foundations and individual donors.
We are grateful to the following funders for their support:
Demigryphon Trust, Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust, Laing Family Trusts (Kirby Laing), PF Charitable Trust and the Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust.
Looking Ahead
The lighting project demonstrates how heritage buildings can embrace modern technology while respecting historic fabric.
It forms part of a wider programme of environmental and fabric improvements that will ensure the Cathedral remains both sustainable and inspiring for generations to come.
Support Our Ongoing Work
Projects like this are only possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations who share our commitment to caring for Chichester Cathedral.
Your gift will help us continue to conserve our historic buildings, improve sustainability, and invest in the Cathedral’s long-term future.
Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust CIO
Registered Charity No. 1156729
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