Southwell Minster has confirmed it could run out of money to fund its day-to-day operations in 2027 without external financial assistance, as it launches an appeal for at least £3.3 million over the next three years.
In an update published on Thursday 29 October, the cathedral’s leadership also revealed that it needs another £220,000 for urgent repairs to its leaking nave roof, despite already securing £240,000 towards the work.
The statement follows revelations last month that the historic Nottinghamshire cathedral faces a repair backlog exceeding £20 million, accumulated over many years of insufficient investment in its buildings and wider estate.
The Minster’s leadership said the financial position remained extremely serious but that discussions were taking place with major organisations that might be able to provide assistance.
In its latest statement, the Minster said: “The situation is very serious, but not hopeless.”
It added that the support of the wider community would be vital in securing its future.
The Dean and Chapter are seeking a minimum of £3.3 million in external support over three years to help establish the cathedral’s long-term financial sustainability.
A review of expenditure and operations is underway to identify potential savings, alongside efforts to secure funding for essential repairs.
The Minster said its income had been insufficient for many years to cover the costs of worship, music, education, staffing, heating, lighting and maintaining its historic buildings.
Despite efforts to increase revenue through events and grants, the organisation has struggled to meet those expenses.
One of the figures highlighted in the update concerns donations from visitors.
The cathedral does not charge an admission fee and instead suggests that visitors contribute £5 towards its upkeep.
However, the average visitor donation is currently £1.44, significantly below the suggested amount.
The Minster said the difference between expected and actual donations was making it increasingly difficult to fund its activities and maintain its estate.
A more immediate concern is the roof over the nave, the central part of the cathedral dating from around the beginning of the 12th century.
Urgent work to make the roof watertight and protect the building is expected to cost at least £460,000.
Funding totalling £240,000 has already been secured from the Chimes Trust, the Friends of Southwell Cathedral and the Headley Trust.
However, a further £220,000 is still required.
The Minster confirmed that an application to the Listed Places of Worship Renewal Fund had been unsuccessful in the first round, with initial grants awarded to places of worship in England’s most deprived areas.
The planned repairs would not amount to a complete roof replacement, which is expected to cost millions of pounds.
The cathedral said it would continue applying for grants and seeking other funding opportunities.
The latest update follows concerns raised in Parliament by Newark MP Robert Jenrick in October about the possibility of the cathedral closing.
As previously reported on 23 October, the Dean, the Very Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Evans, disclosed the extent of the financial difficulties following a review of the Minster’s accounts.
At that stage, he warned that the cathedral had previously appeared to have sufficient funds to cover only one further payroll, prompting an emergency meeting and a report to the Charity Commission.
The new statement provides further details of the funding required and the steps being taken to address the crisis.
Alongside the review of spending, the Minster is looking to generate additional income through better use of its buildings and facilities.
A new catering partnership with Etto is intended to attract larger visitor groups and provide additional revenue, while the Cathedral Shop has moved into new premises within the Minster.
The cathedral also highlighted the contribution of its 382 volunteers, alongside its congregation and existing donors, but said support would be needed from a much wider group of individuals, businesses and organisations.
The Minster said it remained an important part of Southwell’s local economy, attracting visitors and supporting activity in the town.
It is encouraging people to visit, support its shop and café, and make donations towards either general running costs or its Buildings and Heritage Fund.
In its appeal, the cathedral’s leadership said: “We know that the news has raised many difficult questions, and we know just how much work lies ahead.”
It said work was continuing to secure a sustainable future for the Minster so that it could remain open to worshippers, visitors and the wider Nottinghamshire community.
The full update and information about supporting the cathedral are available on the Southwell Minster website.
