St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh features a corona on its roof
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Plans have been announced for the first major building work at Westminster Abbey for 250 years. The proposals would see a corona - an architectural feature in the shape of a large crown - sit on the roof of the historic structure. The plans form part of a major £23m development of the Abbey. It is hoped the work will be completed by 2013 - a year which will mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation at the Abbey. The Dean, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who has been spearheading the plans, said: "It's extremely exciting. It's the first major development here for a long time. "There will of course be some people who say 'Don't change our skyline after all this time'." He added: "I don't think we would go against the bulk of public opinion. If there was an adverse reaction, I expect we would drop it." If the plans are supported following public consultation, architects will be asked to enter a competition, overseen by the Royal Institute of British Architects, to design the corona. The Westminster Abbey 2020 Vision plans also include opening up Westminster Abbey's upper gallery - known as the triforium - to house a museum which will display many historic treasures currently hidden away.
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