Planning applications for redevelopment works of the island’s only cathedral have been submitted.

The plans for Cathedral Isle of Man (formerly St German’s Cathedral) in Peel involve internal changes to provide a kitchen, multi function space and new cafe facilities.

The applications 18/00925/GB and 18/00530/CON state the aim is to upgrade the building to provide better access for wider community use.

One of the main features of the renovations will be the replacement of the baptismal font with an immersion font.

This will, according to the application, allow the cathedral to serve the needs of the ’wider adult congregation’.

To accommodate the immersion font, the floor in the cathedral will be lowered by a depth of about 1.2 metres.

This includes a ’bespoke sculptural handrail’.

Another section changed will be the kitchen.

The move will see the south vestry stripped out and fitted with commercial kitchen units.

The new units will be used for functions, tea/coffee mornings and allow for preparation of lunches.

The exisiting cafe facilities are served by a counter within the north transept, the new facilities will feature mobile counters and storage units.

Other changes that will become noticeable will be the removal of the cast iron pipe heating system.

The system will be replaced with underfloor heating which will heat the building more efficiently.

The pews will also be removed, although it is hoped they will be used again where possible.

Finally, the cathedral floors will see changes to allow these alterations.

This will include a new cross detail inset within the floor with the names of donors to the restorations inscribed around on the border.

The Manx Independent contacted Cathedral Isle of Man to ask about the cost of the development and who is footing the bill.

But at the time of going to press, this had not been provided.