The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney has secured approval for a $39.2 million chancery building within the heritage-listed St Mary’s Cathedral Precinct, after the NSW Land and Environment Court overturned the City of Sydney Council’s refusal.
The decision clears the way for a 6-storey development at 2 St Mary’s Road, replacing an existing carpark with a building that will house offices, a public café, bookshop, community meeting rooms and public bathrooms.
The proposal has been in planning for more than four years and was initially rejected by the City of Sydney in 2024. Council had cited concerns over heritage impacts, design excellence and sustainability.
However, following the appeal by the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Court determined that the design struck an acceptable balance between heritage conservation and contemporary needs.
St Mary’s Cathedral is one of Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks, and the site is of deep cultural and religious importance. The precinct includes not only the Cathedral itself but also the historic Chapter Hall, Cathedral House, St Mary’s Cathedral College and the Sacristy. Together, these buildings represent layers of Catholic history in Australia and are listed as items of State heritage significance.
The chancery building will sit to the east of the Cathedral, on land currently used as a carpark between the Cathedral and Chapter Hall. While opponents argued the modern structure could undermine the precinct’s historic character, the Court found that heritage considerations had been adequately addressed through design modifications and site integration.
Community reaction to the proposal had been divided. Supporters welcomed the consolidation of administration offices onsite, along with the additional of new public amenities for visitors and parishioners. Opponents voiced strong objections, concerned about visual impacts, shading and the insertion of a modern building into a heritage setting.
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