Lancashire based Interior designers bringing space to life
Lancashire based Interior designers bringing space to life
Call 01253 732864/07748 692 668 or email: bev@bwd.uk.com
Chester Cathedral is a Grade I listed building with origins dating back to 1093. Today, it is one of the Northwest’s most significant heritage destinations, welcoming visitors from across the world. Alongside its programme of worship, music and events, the Cathedral operates a retail offer that supports both its visitor experience and its wider charitable mission.
BWD were commissioned to design and deliver a complete refurbishment of the Cathedral shop, ensuring it complemented the Cathedral’s established brand identity and wider interpretation strategy. The brief required a sensitive approach: the retail environment needed to feel contemporary and functional while sitting comfortably within a historic setting.
The design challenge centred on creating a coherent visual language that aligned with the Cathedral’s branding, improving circulation within the shop, and presenting products in a way that enhanced storytelling and visitor engagement. Materials, finishes and display systems were selected to respect the architectural character of the space while providing the durability and flexibility required for a busy retail environment.
The shop was fully redesigned and refitted, with a new layout that improves visitor flow and maximises display capacity. Bespoke joinery and display units were developed to showcase the Cathedral’s product ranges, from books and gifts to ecclesiastical items, ensuring each category has a clear and intuitive place within the space.
Graphic interpretation was integrated throughout the shop to strengthen the connection between the retail offer and the Cathedral’s wider narrative. This included interpretive panels, subtle wayfinding cues and brand‑aligned visual elements that reinforce the Cathedral’s identity without overwhelming the historic surroundings.
The completed scheme provides a warm, coherent and welcoming retail environment that enhances the visitor experience and supports the Cathedral’s commercial objectives. Delivered in 2012, the project remains a strong example of how thoughtful design can balance heritage sensitivity with contemporary retail needs.