“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” – Ephesians 2.14

The creation of the new ramp is made possible through the generosity of the principal donor, the Friends of York Minster, as well as the Mark Benevolent Fund and Benefact Trust.

16 April 2026

At York Minster, heritage craftsmanship and cutting‑edge technology are working hand in hand as we continue shaping the new Quire Ramp. The first stones have been laid, and the project is on track to be completed early this summer.

Our team of expert craftspeople are empowered by advanced computer‑aided stone‑cutting technologies, including our new multi‑axis stone‑cutting saws. By blending centuries‑old stonemasonry skills with modern innovation, we are able to honour the Minster’s heritage while delivering this transformational accessibility project efficiently and sensitively.

Make sure to come back when the works have been complete, and to our official opening event that will take place during a service of Evensong with the Archbishop of York in June.

18 February 2026

With the noisiest and most challenging aspects of the building work complete, the team have made headway on the most exciting part of the project.

The large flagstones have been lifted out of place and work can now begin over the waffle floor – the lightweight flooring that was installed during the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the large restoration project to save the Central Tower from imminent collapse. The first stone blocks of the new Quire ramp have been laid and the team are in the process of fitting the new railings to the foundations of the waffle floor.

We are working hard to minimise disruption to our daily operations as a living church and a visitor attraction. York Minster remains open for services and sightseeing, with no areas of the building closed off to the public. The integration of technologies, including the use of digital designs and stone-machining, has been essential to keeping this project on track and reducing disruption for all who enjoy this building.

11 February 2026

Since announcing our Quire Ramp Project in January, we’ve heard a wide range of questions about the motivations behind a project of this scale, particularly “why now?”

To address these important conversations, we spoke with Canon Tim, who shed light on the historic, cultural and societal reasons why this new ramp is not only significant, but essential. From ensuring equitable access, to honouring heritage craftsmanship, to harnessing innovative technologies, this project represents a shift in how we care for, and open up, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.

5 February 2026

It’s been three weeks since we started work on the latest project at York Minster to create a new accessible ramp into the Quire that is not only in-keeping with the fabric of this magnificent building but also improves access to one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.

Our team have built the compound surrounding the works, and have completed one of the most challenging aspects of this project – lifting the flagstones from the floor. When you visit, you’ll be able to read more about the ongoing works and see our heritage crafters hard at work.

12 January 2026

In early 2026 we will begin the largest building project to take place inside York Minster in over a century. 

We are committed to making this sacred place open, accessible and welcoming to everyone. Central to achieving that goal is a new a new permanent, beautifully designed accessible ramp into the Quire, the beating heart of worship at York Minster. 

Hear from Dean Dominic on why these works are so important and what you can expect to see when you next visit the Minster.