A network of scaffolding surrounds the shell of the new Coventry Cathedral , which is being erected next to the site of the war blitzed St Michael's Cathedral . In fact the two will be linked by an open porch . In the foreground , bricks of Hollington stone are laid out in readiness for use . The stones for the exterior are pink grey and white for the interior . Architect Basil Spence designed the building . It is to be consecrated in 1962 , but services are already held in the Chapel of the Cross in the Crypt . The building will be about 100 feet high , topped by a single slinder spire . The nave is 270 feet long and 80 feet wide . The crypt is 86 yards long , and ranging between 30 and 60 feet in width , holding 500 people . 1959 *** Local Caption *** 373703