Two famous projects have cause to celebrate
Monday October 30, 2023 in News
TWO famous John Laing construction projects made the national news recently. In Bristol, Clifton Cathedral celebrated its 50th anniversary and not far away in Cardiff, St David’s Hall was revealed to be in the running for listed status. There were a host of events marking the Golden Anniversary of Clifton Cathedral including a Mass with local clergy, Diocesan, Ecumenical and Civic guests. There was also the unveiling of a Commemorative Stone to mark the anniversary. Over a number of weeks there was an exhibition of seven floral installations to represent each of the sacraments on display and photographic archive images – many from the John Laing Photographic Collection. These illustrated the planning, building and opening of the Cathedral. St David’s Hall in Cardiff, which opened in 1983, is one of the youngest buildings to be proposed for listing in Wales. Cadw (the historic environment service of the Welsh government) has confirmed its intention to list it as a building of special architectural and historic interest. Built by John Laing between 1978 and 1982, it was one of the first large scale concert halls to be built outside London since the Second World War. The pioneering design incorporates a polygonal shape and seating arranged in terraces around the stage contributing to its internationally renowned acoustic properties. Simon Verity carving stone for the original construction of Clifton Cathedral © Historic England John Laing Photographic Collection