Cenotaph Assembly

The Grade II* Manchester Cenotaph, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1924, has long stood as a civic symbol of sacrifice and remembrance. By the early 21st century, its setting in St Peter’s Square had lost much of its dignity as tram lines and new development reshaped the space. When plans for the Second City Crossing emerged, Manchester City Council took the opportunity to restore the Cenotaph’s presence. We were appointed in 2012 to design a new setting, manage conservation and oversee its careful relocation.

Client

Manchester City Council

Location

Manchester

Designation

Grade II*

Year

2012 – 2014

What we did

We acted as lead architects and conservation consultants, guiding the project from concept through to reconstruction. Working with Manchester City Council and engineers Laing O’Rourke, we developed an Options Analysis to identify the least intrusive relocation strategy. We prepared detailed repair specifications and conservation treatments for the Portland stone, along with the methodology for dismantling, relocating and reassembling the memorial. Our research and heritage advice informed the new setting, ensuring we preserved the Cenotaph’s form and meaning.

the outcome

The renewed setting draws on Lutyens’ original geometry while accommodating contemporary needs. Portland stone benches and a memorial wall create a calm, accessible space for remembrance, with subtle lighting enhancing the Cenotaph’s form. Since its rededication in 2014, the memorial has regained its prominence at the heart of Manchester’s civic life — its dignity restored, its symbolism enduring.

services we provided

Heritage Consultancy

Heritage and significance appraisals

Feasibility and constraint studies

Heritage statements

Consultation with heritage bodies and authorities

Public and stakeholder engagement

Architecture and Surveying

Conservation architectural services (RIBA Stages 0–7)

Condition surveys

Schedules of work and technical specifications

Collaboration with design architects, engineers and specialists

other contributors

Construction Contractor

Laing O’Rourke

Planner

Lichfields

Photographer

Ben Dale

Next project:

Folkestone Harbour