Proposal for $100 million makeover of St Peter’s Cathedral, including underground visitor’s centre
A $100m makeover is proposed for one of the city’s most beautiful venues – and it would make St Peter’s Cathedral the gateway into the CBD, the Anglican Diocese says. SEE THE IMAGES
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A redeveloped St Peter’s Cathedral, which could cost at least $100 million, would be the city’s northern gateway, the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide says.
The Diocese released concept images of the re-imagined King William Rd site – called Cathedral 150 – which includes building restoration, a new underground visitor centre and public plaza.
It aims to double the amount of visitors to the venue to 80,000 per year.
Anglican Diocese of Adelaide registrar Joe Thorp said the proposal was a “large dreaming project” that could be a “catalyst for development in North Adelaide”.
“An enhanced visitor experience at the Cathedral together with the pedestrian plaza will make to wonderful addition to the cultural and arts precincts of North Tce and King William Rd, along with the developments at the Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval,” Mr Thorp said.
The proposal comes off the back of the current Women’s and Children’s site potentially being redeveloped and the possibility of a tramline extension into North Adelaide.
“Should there be development on the WCH site, a tram stop and pedestrian plaza adjacent to the Cathedral would make a great deal of sense as the northern entrance to the City of Adelaide,” Mr Thorp said.
“And if you are going to have a tram stop, why don’t you put something interesting there.”
The Diocese has worked with architectural company Woods Bagot and design firm Mott MacDonald on the concept plans for about three years
Mott MacDonald managing director David Johnson said the proposed redevelopment “fits in nicely” with the Riverbank precinct.
“This is a good project because it is more than just a church, it is what the Cathedral offers to the community … and it would be nice to think that when people come to Adelaide they might visit the Cathedral and have a high-quality experience,” Mr Johnson said.
The Diocese has not developed formal plans, secured funding or committed to a start or finish date.
Should the project proceed, a Cathedral 150 document suggests the Diocese seek $35m in state and federal funding, and at least $65m in private grants.
It announced earlier this week announced it had sold its 164-year-old mansion Bishop’s Court at 45 Palmer Place at a state record price.