out in 2000–01 to re-build the east end roofs and parapets and blend them into the existing structures. Upon completion of this work, the cathedral was finally deemed to be finished after over 70 years of construction. As well as this rebuilding, a new piece of art was commissioned for the exterior of the building. The sculpture by Mark Jalland, The Healing of The Nations, measuring , is an abstract steel and copper circular piece containing thousands of interwoven fibre optics that create ever-changing patterns of light at night. It is deemed by many to be one of the most innovative pieces of modern sculpture at any English cathedral. In 2009 the flagpole on the tower was renewed and topped with an ornate bishop's mitre finial, painted and gilded in gold leaf by Mark Bridges of Sussex and bearing the Lancashire Rose emblem. The cathedral still forms an important part of the community. It is open to visitors and has a gift shop and café as well as hosting numerous events. In February 2011, the cathedral exhibited the Quaker Tapestry from Kendal. In 2021, the crypt of Blackburn Cathedral was used as a major public vaccination centre against COVID-19. Gallery See also Listed buildings in Blackburn References Further reading External links Blackburn Cathedral Website A church was first recorded on this site in AD596 Blackburn Cathedral Church of England church buildings in Lancashire Cathedral Cathedral Gothic Revival church buildings in England Gothic Revival architecture in Lancashire Grade II* listed buildings in Lancashire Cathedral Grade II* listed cathedrals Basilicas (Church of England)