Historic access solution

The Grade 1 listed Newcastle Cathedral has recently undergone considerable renovation work after being awarded a £4.2m National Lottery Heritage grant. TORMAX was contracted by Historic Property Restoration (HPR Ltd) to deliver an automatic entrance system for the main rear door that would be easily accessible for all visitors without compromising the heritage facade of the building.

The elegant, bi-parting automatic glass sliding door features stylish manifestation, whilst the grey profile surround subtly blends with the period location. Enhancing pedestrian safety, the entrance benefits from two internal glass pocket screens behind which the door leaves recess. The entrance is also Secure RC2 rated, helping ensure the Cathedral is not a target for criminal activity.

Newcastle Cathedral has a long and momentous history. Built in 1091 it was originally a parish church for the small, emerging town. Today, it is the heart of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, a place of peace and tranquillity in the heart of a noisy, vibrant city.

The Common Ground in Sacred Space refurbishment project has seen the Cathedral re-established as a dynamic place of worship and heritage venue, with areas such as the basement beneath the Cathedral Hall being converted into facilities for staff, volunteers and visitors.

The new TORMAX sliding doors provide a wide open, welcoming entrance for visitors to the Cathedral. Technologically advanced, yet aesthetically discreet, the door leaves are powered by the in-house designed TORMAX 2302 operator.

Tried and tested in a myriad of locations worldwide, the 2302 has proven capable of delivering ongoing reliability and advanced functionality despite only requiring an installation height of just 150mm and depth of 160mm, making it suitably discreet to harmonise with the historic surroundings.

Requiring only low-energy operation, the 2302 drive is an environmentally conscious solution, with options to adapt opening speed and hold-open times to match foot traffic and weather conditions.