The is the main entrance to the Cathedral. Visitors enter through the original medieval arch which was used in the days of the priory and which has been incorporated into the design of the building.
There are six distinct areas plus the Japanese garden.
- Central Atrium – Rising impressively to the full height of the building, the atrium offers views of the Cathedral spire through the rooflights. This is where all visitors now normally enter and are welcomed to the Cathedral.
- Bowerbank Room. Situated on the ground floor this is a well-equipped, flexible space for use by schools during the day and community groups after school hours.
- Exhibition Space. Leading off the Atrium opposite the Education Room is an open plan area equipped and lit to mount temporary exhibitions.
- Locutory. Visitors enter the Locutory from the Exhibition Room, via a glazed link. This is the area where the monks were allowed to meet and talk to visitors. In the 21st century this space houses a digital Interpretative Exhibition focusing on the role of the Cathedral in the past and present, and preparing visitors for a tour of the complex. Visitors pass from here into the Cathedral.
- Song School and Music Library. Situated on the first floor, this provides a rehearsal room for all the Cathedral choirs, a small recital space and purpose-built shelves to house the music library.
- The Weston Room. This will comfortably accommodate 150 people seated and has been designed so that the room can adapted for many purposes. It has full modern conferencing facilities.
The Japanese garden
The garden was inspired by parallels between the monastic experiences in the Benedictine order and Buddhism. It links the new 21st century Hostry Visitor and Education Centre with the original 11th century Cathedral buildings and offers all visitors a moment for contemplation and a space for physical, temporal and spiritual transition. For more information please see the dedicated Japanese garden page.