AN architect is joining the team at Durham Cathedral to help look after the building.

Maya Polenz has been appointed the cathedral’s new head of property and will be responsible for the fabric of the building and the rest of the estate in Durham and the UK.

She is moving from the City of London Corporation where she was the heritage estate officer for three years.

Originally from Dresden in Germany, she is a trained architect and has worked extensively in the heritage sector.

She said: “I never thought I would get the opportunity to work in such a prestigious building though and I’m really looking forward to learning more about all the other buildings and properties that make up the cathedral’s estate.”

Her new role will require her to oversee the cathedral’s programme of works, including the management of the maintenance and restoration of the cathedral and its surrounding buildings and grounds.

Philip Davies, chapter clerk, said: “We are delighted to welcome Maya to the cathedral team as head of property. As a trained conservation architect who has worked on some important historic sites in the UK and in Germany, her home country, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience.”