The first Roman Catholic Cathedral in Australia in over a
century to be master-planned from its inception as a complete, integrated
cathedral precinct has been marked with the appointment of an international
award-winning architect.
The Cathedral Precinct Project, in the Diocese of
Broken Bay, has appointed Níall McLaughlin Architects led by recent recipient
of the Royal Institute of British Architecture Royal Gold Medal), Níall
McLaughlin. The Royal Gold Medal is one of the highest international
architectural honours.
The Project will transform the Waitara 7.7 hectare site into
a landmark spiritual and civic destination, providing a spiritual focal point
for the faithful in the Diocese which covers an area of 2,763 square kilometres
across the three Deaneries from the upper Central Coast, the North Shore, and
Northern Beaches.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary since being
proclaimed a Diocese in April1986 by the then Pope John Paul II, Broken Bay now
serves around 250,000 Catholics.
Níall McLaughlin Architects (NMLA) was selected to design
the Precinct following an invited international process by the Diocese under
the leadership of the Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL.
Following his recent appointment by the Holy Father Pope Leo
XIV as Archbishop and Prefect for Legislative Texts, and now serving as
Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay, Archbishop Randazzo said
the Project remains a primary priority for the Diocese.
“The Cathedral Precinct is a home for faith, a place for
community, and a commitment to the faithful of today and for future
generations,” Archbishop Randazzo said.
“The vision for the Precinct, and its design will represent
a visible and living heart for diocesan life, where worship, formation,
pastoral care, outreach, and administration come together in service of
Commission, Community, and the Common Good.
“While my responsibilities have expanded to serve the
universal Church in Rome, my commitment to this vision is unwavering. The
appointment of Níall McLaughlin Architects signals we are moving ahead with
confidence to create a community legacy for generations to come.”
Níall McLaughlin also spoke of the Project during his
address on Monday evening at the Rothwell Public Lecture series at the
University of Sydney which highlights world leading architects.
A London-based Irish architect and a professor at The
Bartlett School of Architecture, Níall McLaughlin is recognised for his focus
on material, craft, light and form, and the relationship between buildings and
their surroundings.
His vast distinguished body of work includes the Bishop
Edward King Chapel in Oxford, The New Library Magdalene College, Cambridge, the
Auckland Castle Faith Museum, and The Museum of Jesus’ Baptism in Bethany,
Jordan.
“We are delighted to work on this significant project to
help create an enduring spiritual, civic, and cultural precinct that places the
faithful at its centre,” Níall said in Sydney.
A defining feature of the Project vision is the creation of
a "virtuous circle" of Catholic life, where the precinct seamlessly
integrates spiritual growth with a lifelong journey of learning. By connecting
the new spiritual heart to a modern education campus - including the facilities
at St Leo’s Catholic College - the Project establishes an holistic path from
baptism through to early learning, primary, and secondary education. This
integrated approach ensures the Cathedral is a living centre that serves all
ages of its community.
The architectural vision draws deep inspiration from the
Hawkesbury River watershed that unites the Diocese’s 26 parishes. The design
envisions a congregation ebbing and flowing beneath a forest of timber framing,
contained by sandstone structures of local bluffs and caves.
With the spirit of Laudato si’ (the second encyclical
of Pope Francis on care for our common home) deeply embedded, the design
highlights responsible, sustainable materials that complement the natural
setting.
Working alongside the Australian company Hayball as
Executive Architect, NMLA’s design will prioritise people and permeability. The
Precinct is designed to knit seamlessly into the existing neighbourhood through
generous public spaces including a new Cathedral forecourt with a café and
bookshop.
The site will co-locate a Pastoral Centre, a Parish Hall,
and a new home for CatholicCare, providing vital support for seniors and people
living with disabilities. There will also be residences for the Bishop and
clergy as well as Diocesan offices.
Environmental stewardship is also key; the existing Blue Gum
High Forest will be preserved as a public amenity, featuring new roof gardens
to promote biodiversity.
Design processes will now move into preparation for approval
pathways, which will determine building timelines.
The Project, which will evolve over the next several years,
will be realised through a multi-stream funding strategy, incorporating
institutional capital, and a dedicated appeal for philanthropic contributions.