Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, renowned for its distinctive ‘wigwam’ shape, has been granted Grade I listed status.

Affectionately known as “the Mersey funnel”, the cathedral was completed in 1962. Designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, it is celebrated as a leading example of British mid-century design.

The circular interior was created to encourage togetherness during Mass, while stained glass in the roof casts vibrant purples and blues onto the altar.

The Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Rev John Sherrington, welcomed the upgrade in listing from Grade II to Grade I. “The building has been described as the ‘soul of the city, ’” he said. “It is very significant that the cathedral has been recognised during the Jubilee Year, which has the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’.

“I hope the upgraded listed status allows us to welcome even more pilgrims to our striking Mother Church.” He also thanked members of the congregation, past and present, who have “contributed to the upkeep and repair of the building for over 60 years”.

Catherine Croft, Director of the Twentieth Century Society, said: “Liverpool now rightly has two magnificent Grade I listed cathedrals which together demonstrate just how varied, exciting, and emotionally uplifting twentieth-century architecture can be. A great vessel of post-war glass, sculpture and design, the listing upgrade will help ensure the modernist cathedral’s careful long-term conservation and appreciation by all who visit – to worship or just to marvel.”