Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney takes council to court in stoush over St Mary’s Cathedral development plans

A church versus state planning row is heading to court after the City of Sydney refused plans for a $39m expansion of the city’s largest cathedral.

An almighty legal challenge is brewing over development plans for Sydney’s largest cathedral as a Catholic archdiocese takes the City of Sydney Council to court in a stoush over the contentious plan.

The Land and Environment Court will settle a dispute over a $39.2m proposal to build a modern six-storey addition to the 19th century St Mary’s Cathedral site opposite Hyde Park.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney launched the appeal after the council refused the proposal development because of concerns over the “unacceptable impacts on the heritage significance” of the gothic cathedral.

The council’s assessment also stated the development, which would include a cafe, bookshop and administration facilities, “was not consistent with design excellence” and failed to demonstrate the “principles of ecologically sustainable development”.

The sacred heritage-listed cathedral dates back to the early 19th century and attracts about 1.2 million visitors each year.

A concept image of the development.

The archdiocese’s plans stated it would be the first significant development for the cathedral site in more than 40 years and would “ensure this lasting legacy of service continues for centuries to come”.

The plans stated the development was “entirely appropriate in terms of its location, scale, design” and had been designed to complement the cathedral’s architecture.

However, multiple parishioners have fought the plans including Richard Stevens, who wrote to the council saying he was “appalled at the idea of an enormous, modern building being sandwiched between the historic chapter house and the cathedral”.

The 19th century cathedral is heritage listed.

Another parishioner in a strongly-worded submission stated the development would “totally destroy the grandeur” of the cathedral which serves as a “beacon to those who wish to visit the cathedral as a gothic wonder built by past skilled craftsmen”.

Parishioner Paula Flynn believes a “building like the one being proposed has absolutely no place next to the cathedral”.

A Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney spokeswoman declined to comment on the appeal because the matter is before the courts.

Some parishioners have opposed the proposal.

Development plans show the development proposal would also have new public amenities, family rooms, office space and meeting spaces for groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Submissions from parishioners have also raised concerns over potential disruptions during construction periods as well as fears the development would block sunlight and views to sections of the cathedral.

The first court hearing has been scheduled for Friday.

The council was contacted for comment but did not provide a response at the time of publication.

Originally published as Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney takes council to court in stoush over St Mary’s Cathedral development plans