The historic St Patrick’s Cathedral is about to have a bold makeover. Last week, on St Patrick’s Day, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli announced a five-to-ten-year plan for the site, with restoration works for the building itself, as well as creating more amenities and spaces for the surrounding precinct. The project, named ‘Light in the City’, will be delivered in stages, and is expected to cost $190 million.
Light in the City project will transform St Patrick’s Cathedral
This place of worship was built in stages between 1858 and 1939, and is the largest church building in Victoria. It is not only a significant site for the Catholic community, it is also a leading example of Gothic Revival architecture, with pointed arches, stained glass windows, towering spires and intricate stone carvings. With exceptional acoustics and a massive organ, it’s also a notable site for sacred concerts. Almost a million people are estimated to enter the Cathedral each year.
Described by the Archbishop as a “once-in-a-generation effort”, this revamp will aim to reimagine the precinct as a key place of faith and culture for the Melbourne community.
The first stage of the project will begin this year, and cover the restoration of the Cathedral. The sandstone, for example, is deteriorating, and the site hasn’t been ‘properly cleaned or repainted in over 35 years’. The Cathedral also requires roof and floor repairs, and the lighting and sound systems need improvements.
This stage would also include the construction of a new adjacent assembly building, and landscaping to create a more welcoming precinct.
“Beyond the Cathedral itself, the surrounding precinct is ready for renewal as well,” said the Archbishop. “The fencing and the harsh surfaces that surround St Patrick’s create a sense of distance rather than welcome. The entrances must be opened up and made accessible for all. The grounds need to be softened and renewed.”
Meanwhile, the second stage would restore and repurpose the heritage-listed Presbytery and Cardinal Knox Centre. These buildings will become spaces for arts, culture and social outreach, such as care for the vulnerable.
The first stage will cost $130 million to deliver, and the second stage is valued at $60 million.
To learn more about the project, click here.