Salford Cathedral

Salford Cathedral – A Multi‑Million Pound Refurbishment Transformed Through Specialist Tiling Expertise

Overview

The refurbishment of Salford Cathedral represents one of the most significant heritage restoration projects in the region—spanning multiple years, two major construction phases, and extensive specialist craftsmanship. Led by main contractor Simpsons of York, the project began in September 2022 and is scheduled for completion in April 2026.

As part of the wider multi‑million‑pound restoration, ABM Tiling was appointed to deliver approximately 1,000m² of intricate floor tiling using a combination of natural Haysom Purbeck Stone and hand-made encaustic tiles from Craven Dunhill Jackfield all fixed onto the Jupiter IDEAL EPS Heating System which uses natural terracotta screed replacement tiles.

ARDEX worked closely with the tiling contractor and Purcell Architects throughout, providing a full product specification and ongoing on‑site technical support to ensure performance, durability, and aesthetic excellence.

Key Challenges

The work was delivered across two key phases. The initial phase involved exterior works and structural preparation, laying the foundation for the more detailed interior refurbishment that followed.

During the second phase, a Jupiter underfloor heating systems was installed throughout the cathedral. This system was then overlaid with 18mm natural terracotta screed replacement tiles which serve as the base layer beneath the new stone and encaustic finishes – these were fixed with a specialist adhesive produced by ARDEX.

Because the project incorporated materials of varying thickness—including Haysom Purbeck Stone, Craven Dunhill Jackfield encaustic tiles and the 18mm screed replacement elements—careful planning and surface preparation were essential to achieve consistent floor levels.

Solutions

To achieve the SR1 surface level required before the installation of the tiles, the terracotta screed replacement tiles were first primed with ARDEX R3E epoxy primer before being levelled with ARDITEX NA rapid-setting smoothing and levelling compound at depths between 8 and 30 millimetres (with added ARDEX Course Aggregate). This preparation created a reliable, uniform base for the installation of the natural stone floors.

With the substrate ready, the York Stone was fixed using ARDEX X 32, chosen for its strength, flexibility and compatibility with the heated flooring system. Once the stone was installed and allowed to set, the tiles were grouted using ARDEX MG Rapid Drying Marble and Stone Tile Grout to provide a durable, moisture‑resistant finish.

One of the most complex and visually striking parts of the project was the installation of 45 square metres of handmade encaustic tiles crafted by Craven Dunhill Jackfield. These tiles, which feature the crest of Salford Cathedral, were positioned in the Lee and Leaming Chantries and the Lady Chapel at the north end of the building. The designs involved intricate geometric patterns in which diamonds transitioned into triangles and then into increasingly smaller triangular details. This complexity was particularly evident along the main aisle and around the baptismal font, where a CNC‑cut arrangement created a precise, symmetrical feature.

ARDEX X 77 was used to fix all encaustic tiles, providing the strong bond, high yield and long open and working times required for such a detailed alignment.

Beyond the heritage areas, ABM Tiling also completed work in the cathedral’s modern ancillary spaces, including the toilet areas, where porcelain and ceramic tiles were installed. These too were fixed with ARDEX X 77 to ensure consistency and performance throughout the building.

Across every stage of the refurbishment, ARDEX supported the project team with a comprehensive specification and regular on‑site technical guidance from the ARDEX Training and Technical Support Team. This collaboration ensured that each product was used to its optimum potential and that the unique demands of working within a historic cathedral were fully met.

The result is a transformation that marries traditional craftsmanship with advanced underfloor heating technology laid with a high performance ARDEX fixing and grouting solution. Through careful material selection, skilled installation and rigorous attention to detail, the Salford Cathedral project showcases how modern performance systems can enhance and preserve the character of a historic landmark for generations to come.

Architect: Purcell Architects – https://purcellarchitecture.com/

Main Contractor: Simpsons of York – https://www.simpsonyork.co.uk/

Tiling Contractor: ABM Tiling – https://www.abmtiling.co.uk/

Tiles: Craven Dunhill Jackfield – https://www.cdjackfield.com/

Stone: Haysom Purbeck Stone – https://purbeckstone.co.uk/

Materials: ARDEX